SCOTTISH Canals have said it is up to Chain of Freedom organisers to decide drone policy for the event following social media posts stating drones were banned.
The mass demonstration in favour of Scottish independence is set to take place on October 14 and if plans are successful, 49,000 people will line the canal path between the Firth of Forth and the west coast.
Questions were raised online as to why canal managers had supposedly “banned” drones, after posts discussed possible local exclusion zones.
However, when asked, Scottish Canals clarified there is no ban in place.
Emergency services shared at a meeting they would prefer drones not to be used, but it is ultimately up to the organisers to specify drone policy to participants.
In a statement, Scottish Canals said: “During a meeting with the organisers and the safety advisory group, which included members of the emergency services and local council, there was a request for the group to be advised of any plans for drones at the event.
“It was the preference of the emergency services that drones were not in operation however there was no ban put in place.
“It would be up to the event organisers [Chain of Freedom Scotland] to decide whether to put a drone policy for the event which could then be shared with the safety advisory group or to put a no drone rule in place."
Scottish Canals have also advised the group to provide safety equipment, such as ropes to pull anyone out of water, in case any incidents are to happen.
Scottish Canals has guidance on our website for drone operators which states:
- All commercial drone users must submit a filming application via our filming hub and ensure that all appropriate certification, including insurance, is in place and that a safe flying plan is agreed. Charges may apply to filming or other commercial activities.
- Leisure drone operators must follow the Civil Aviation Authority Drone Code at all times; flying over boats, lock chambers, bridges, The Falkirk Wheel, The Kelpies, and other members of the public is not permitted.
The organisation also said any applications to film on the day will be shared with the safety advisory group for planning and visibility.
