Portree Parish Church

Sunday morning services update

5 May 2021

The Scottish Government has announced that from 26 April the 50 persons cap on attendance at services of worship is removed, although social distancing is still required.

During the week following the publishing of our plan to introduce a booking system for attendance at Sunday worship, the Covid-19 regulations were changed once more, with the use of the balcony in the church now permitted.

This change means we can now accommodate a further 9 people upstairs.  In addition, we are now seating 4 of the Elders in the chancel area thereby freeing up more space in the main sanctuary area.

In total this allows us a maximum seated capacity of 68 and for that reason Kirk Session has agreed that the booking system is no longer required.

We would however remind those coming to Sunday worship to arrive early in order that appropriate social distancing can be maintained at the church door and to follow the directions of the stewarding Elders on entry to, and on leaving the church after the service.

The requirement for the church to be cleaned and sanitised following each service means that only one service can be held each Sunday  –  there will, until further notice, be no evening worship.

The format for morning worship will be the same as that which operated from October to December last year i.e.

• All worshippers to wear face coverings.
• Socially distanced seating arrangements (2 metres apart) must be followed.
• No singing of praise is permitted.
• Worshippers will be directed to and from their seats by the Elders in attendance.

Sandor our minister will continue to post Sunday worship on the website and printed copies are available for anyone who does not have internet access. Please phone the minister or any of the elders if you would like a copy or know of anyone who would.