A Scots council has reversed its ban on bouncy castles following a backlash.
Highland Council put a “regrettable pause” on the hiring of inflatables across its vast estate amid health and safety concerns.
The council claimed the region’s size made it difficult for staff to get to its many venues – including more than 200 schools – to carry out thorough risk assessments and quality checks.
The decision was made to “safeguard attendees” until structures were in place to meet the requirements.
It was hoped that families attending upcoming fairs would “enjoy the day with the other activities on offer”.
However, bosses reversed the decision on Wednesday after councillors were called into action following concerns raised by businesses and locals.
Inverness-based Mascot Madness Entertainment was one of the firms calling on the council to fully explain its decision.
Announcing the U-turn, a Highland Council spokesperson said: “The council has had further discussions about the health and safety requirements of inflatable lets bookings at its properties.
“The council’s approach seeks to balance the mitigation of risk with acting in a way that does not impact unnecessarily on community activities.
“Consequently, the council can confirm that new conditions of let requirements have been produced for the safe use of inflatable devices on council and High Life Highland premises.”
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The updated conditions will allow the council to ensure the inflatables meet all required safety standards; that operators and contractors can show they have carried out appropriate risk assessments; and that they hold the appropriate insurance to cover any risk to users or any other risks that may arise from them being used on council premises.
The council spokesperson added: “With these assurances in place, the council will be able to permit appropriate contractors to fulfil these bookings on Highland Council and High Life Highland operated lets on facilities owned by the council.”
Councillor Isabelle MacKenzie said she was “delighted” with the decision.
She said: “A number of school events this summer would have been a bit deflated.
“Having spent many years involved with parent council events, much needed funds are raised for schools. Bouncy castles are a huge treat for kids.”
Mascot Madness Entertainment welcomed the U-turn but raised concerns over how the guidelines will be monitored.
The firm’s Danielle Stewart said the company follows guidelines “stringently”, but it has been “hugely frustrating” to see others allegedly “not follow suit”.
Ms Stewart said: “As the main supplier of bouncy castles and inflatables in the local area, there is also no way of knowing what kind of impact this short-lived ban is going to have on our business going forward.
“There is a possibility that [the] Highland Council decision has put people off hiring our equipment.”
She added: “We are very much looking forward to our summer season now with a sense of optimism, but the concerns we still have will not go away until we meet and discuss with the appropriate people.
“Hopefully Highland Council stick true to their [word] and contact us personally as soon as possible.”
