Edinburgh silent disco tour operator defends reopening of business as picture of 'irresponsible' tour sparks online backlash

A silent disco operator has defended the reopening of his business, as a picture showing a tour group online was branded "irresponsible" in light of current coronavirus restrictions.

Jay Feeney, co-founder of Silent Adventures, acknowledged the photograph "didn't look great" but said it was their first tour since lockdown started and they are working "extremely hard" to ensure they operate responsibly in line with social distancing and with reduced numbers - in this case 13 customers.

He said wearing face masks outdoors is not a requirement but they have made it so and provide medical masks for those who do not bring any, given that people are singing and dancing, unless people have a medical condition which exempts them.

And the business is already looking at an alternative route with more open space as part of their efforts to adapt during what they have described as a soft launch this weekend.

Mr Feeney said: "That photo (on Bank Street) does not look good but it's the worst bit of the route so, if they are going to get closer it's round corners like this and it's harder for the team to see them as well.

"We are doing everything we can to maintain social distancing and put in extra measures for people to wear masks when outdoors. Obviously, we will be keeping an eye on what is happening in terms of adjusting everything we can because our priority is to make it safe.

"We are reacting to the situation and we will always adapt if these issues come up."

‘Irresponsible’

The photogrpah has sparked some online backlash. Pic: David Weinczok/Twitter

The photograph, shared on social media on Friday evening, was described on Twitter as showing "several dozen tightly packed people" who were "clogging up" pavements in the Old Town, and described as "irresponsible" behaviour.

The person who took the photograph told the Evening News he empathised with people trying to get their business back on track after months of heavy losses and that when he first heard the group yesterday it made him smile.

But he became concerned when they came into view as there was "clearly no attempt at social distancing" and the group was "monopolising the pavement" in a busy part of the city centre.

They added: "This was especially frustrating as I had, not minutes before, finished leading a small walking tour of four people in which strict social distancing was enacted, I was wearing a mask, and we deliberately avoided stopping in busy locations for our own safety and the safety of those around us.

Another photograph of the group in Hunter Square during the silent disco tour, with participants adhering to social distancing guidelines. Pic: Silent Adventures.

"It is entirely possible for activities like guided tours to be running safely at the moment, but this - which involuntarily involves anyone who happens to be passing by - was clearly not taking adequate measures."

They acknowledged there are much larger systemic measures which need addressing just now and made it clear he is in no way suggesting a 'boycott' of any business, but felt this was an example of unnecessary risk to group members and those around them.

He said it was encouraging that the company has said they will modify the route.

Many people on Twitter agreed that the actions were “irresponsible” but several others showed support for the business and highlighted the activity was taking place outdoors.

Mr Feeney said the tour group seen in the picture yesterday evening involved two groups of people who had booked separately, and highlighted that a couple of people in the image did not belong to the group.

He said customers are asked at the start to maintain two metre physical distancing and that team members will shout out a "safe word" to alert people when they get too close to others in the group or members of the public.

Headsets are also sanitised after every use by staff and customers are also given alcohol wipes to clean them too.

Limiting numbers

Mr Feeney said they have completed risk assessments and worked through the government guidance to be given the seal of approval from VisitScotland to operate their silent disco tours again.

He said numbers for each tour group are currently limited to 30 (50 pre-covid) but that they are sticking to 15 just now as part of the soft launch to understand how to improve. They are also looking at staggering start times to reduce numbers per group.

Details of the new route being planned are yet to be confirmed.

Mr Freeney added: "Lots of people really enjoy the silent discos and it's really a form of escapism.

"It's healthy and fun and it's done through the day and early evening. It's a family thing. We deliberately try to avoid any of the drinking side of things because it could be a horror show."

Silent Adventures started up in Edinburgh in 2017.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism.

Subscribe to the Edinburgh Evening News online and enjoy unlimited access to trusted, fact-checked news and sport from Edinburgh and the Lothians. Visit https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/subscriptions now to sign up.

By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Joy Yates

Editorial Director