PLACES of worship in the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area will be able to re-open for congregational worship and prayer and religious life event ceremonies from Wednesday of this week.

Guidance has been published to help them prepare and key measures include:

• restrictions on capacity so that a safe distance of at least 2 metres can be maintained between individuals from different household groups. No place of worship should admit more than 50 people at any one time, regardless of its size or usual capacity, with a limit of 20 on weddings and funerals.

• the retention of worshippers’ contact details to share for Test and Protect if required.

• no communal prayer books, prayer mats or other shared items.

• faith leaders and those responsible for places of worship must take all reasonable measures to adapt faith-specific rites and rituals to ensure the safety of those present.

• singing, chanting and the playing of wind instruments should be avoided pending further scientific and medical advice on the risks of transmission from such activities.

All the local churches have been looking forward to this announcement as part of the easing of lockdown measures and have been making preparations.

Scottish Government Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: “I know it has been very difficult for our faith communities to be unable to come together in their places of worship during such challenging times.

"This was, of course, necessary due to the pandemic and I would like to thank everyone for their understanding and patience.

“We have continued to engage closely with and listen to our faith communities throughout this period and we understand the important role of congregational worship in supporting spiritual wellbeing.

“The updated guidance reflects the evolving scientific and health advice and has been developed in consultation with leaders and representatives of Scotland’s faith and belief communities.”