Bluelight Discos Coming To Caithness

28th May 2008

A new kind of disco will be launched in Caithness with the aim of offering youngsters an event that is sociable but safe.

No alcohol will be allowed and it is a condition of entry that all youngsters undergo a breathalyser test and search by the police. Any young person who fails the test will be taken home.

The new discos called "Blue Light Discos" will be run jointly by a number of key agencies working with young people including the police who will be in attendance to provide information on relevant subjects in the "chill out areas"

The concept was developed in Australia and has already proved a success in other parts of Scotland in addressing youth disorder and assisting with building positive relationships between the police and other agencies working with young people.

The first event will take place in Wick High School on Thursday 12th June and another event is planned for Thursday 23rd June in Thurso High School. Both events are for young people in the transition from primary to secondary school. It is hoped that the events will give the youngsters an opportunity to interact and socialise with their new peers in an informal setting and will alleviate any fears they may have about moving up to High school. It is anticipated that the youngsters will enjoy themselves and will be familiar with the Blue light concept and will attend future discos with older teenagers.

Youth Development Officer Angela Alexander has high hopes for the pilot she said: "This is a new and exciting initiative for Caithness where partner agencies can provide a safe and alcohol free environment for youngsters. Its also a great opportunity for agencies to find out what issues are important to them. I am hoping that both events are a success and that more will be organised in the future for teenagers"

Constable Jennifer Baughan, Community Safety Officer based at Thurso Police Station said "This is a great opportunity for young people in Wick and Thurso to come together in a safe, drug and alcohol free environment. From the evidence given to us from Fife Constabulary, this type of initiative has proven to reduce crimes of vandalism and anti-social behaviour. We are looking to match the successes experienced in Fife by developing the Blue Light Disco concept here in Caithness".

Tickets are available through local primary schools for all P7 pupils and cost £1.

For more information on Blue Light Discos please contact:
Koreen Macdougall - Telephone 01955 609901
Angela Alexander- Telephone- 01847 895782
Jennifer Baughan - Telephone 01847 805335