Families have been urged to avoid Halloween guising this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

New advice issued by the Scottish Government on Halloween and Bonfire Night celebrations is asking people to respect current Covid restrictions. 

Instead of a usual Halloween, safe celebration ideas include party games, fancy dress and storytelling all held at home. 

The Government, along with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, has urged people to avoid holding private Bonfire events. 

People are being urged to abide with rules on not visiting other households, and if they do use fireworks to do so safely with the help of the SFRS' firework code. 

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Mr Swinney said: “Under the current restrictions it is not possible to meet up indoors or in large groups outdoors, so the safest thing to do this year is to stay at home.

“I know guising is a big part of Halloween and children will be sad to miss out, but as door-to-door guising brings an additional and avoidable risk of spreading the virus, our clear advice for families is to avoid it.

“Children can still get dressed up and share jokes with their families, and our Parent Club guidance has lots of fun and creative ideas for families to enjoy a safe celebration at home.

“On Bonfire Night it is vital the public adhere to the rules on meeting up with other households to help stop the spread of the virus. We know that some people may consider using fireworks in their back gardens  If you do plan on using fireworks this Bonfire Night, please do so responsibly and safely.

“Adapting alternative celebrations and sticking to the rules in place can go a huge way to ensuring everyone’s safety.”