Please see the latest Scottish Government rules on Stay At Home. Whilst for “exercise and activity” you must comply with the maximum group size of  (Age 18 and over: 4 adults from 2 households, Age 12-17: 4 individuals from 4 households, Under 12s do not count towards households or numbers when meeting outside.), for Organised Sport this can be expanded as appropriate.

What is required for activity to be “Organised”? 

• Activity must be undertaken in a planned, structured and managed way 
• Activity is overseen by an appointed COVID Officer who has completed the free sportscotland e-learning  
• A documented (i.e. written) risk assessment is undertaken and mitigating actions put in place to ensure the health, safety and welfare of participants, coaches and officials.
• Conduct Screening and Test and Protect measures - collecting contact information for all participants
• Manage the number of participants taking part - e.g. through advance organisation, bookings and registration
• following SCA guidance and any other relevant guidance (e.g. local rules or lockdowns)

It is only where all these conditions are met that the group size of up to 15 people can take part.

Organised activity does not necessarily have to be run by a club or centre or other organisation but it does need to meet all of the criteria above. Please continue to be responsible whilst paddling and ensure you comply with Scottish Government rules and SCA guidance. 

You may be stopped by the police on suspicion of being a group of paddlers from more than 2 households or 4 people. In order to demonstrate that your paddling is Organised Activity you will need to have a record of how you comply with this criteria.

Failing to comply with the guidance runs the risk of enforcement by the Police with a Fixed Penalty Notice. 

Where can I travel?

The message from Scottish Government remaings "To minimise the risk of spreading the virus, stay at home as much as possible.". However, outdoor non-contact sport is permitted along with exercise. The table here shows what is possible and we emphasise that the 5 mile extension does not apply for organised sport.  The two relevant exceptions for travel in a Level 4 area are (taken from Stay At Home guidance):

• local outdoor socialising and recreation (in groups of up to a maximum of 4 people, plus any children aged 11 and under, from no more than 2 households or 12 – 17 year olds in groups of up to 4 at a time, not subject to the 2 household limit) in any outdoor space, including private gardens. This can take place in your local authority area (or up to 5 miles from the boundary of your local authority area). You should travel no further than you need to reach to a safe, non-crowded place to exercise.
• participate in or facilitate organised activity, non-contact sport or exercise which is for persons aged 17 and under up to a maximum of 15 people. This flexibility is to allow children and young people to take part in sport or organised activity, if for example they belong to a club which is just outside their own local authority area, but you should travel no further than you need to.