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HIGHLANDS · SCOTLAND

Martyn’s Law in Inverness

Inverness is the main gateway for visitors to the Scottish Highlands and Loch Ness, so its city centre, hotels and attractions are busy through the tourist season. Eden Court Theatre and the Caledonian Stadium, home of Inverness Caledonian Thistle, host regular audiences.

Regulator
Security Industry Authority (SIA)
Local council
The Highland Council
Police force
Police Scotland
Duties expected
spring 2027

Does Martyn’s Law apply to your venue?

Five quick questions. About a minute. A preliminary check, not legal advice.

2. Is that the main use of the building, or the part of it you control?
Include staff, contractors and volunteers. Count regular busy times, not a one-off you could not expect.
people
4. How many premises?
5. Do you hold events for 800 or more people?

Choose your type of premises to see your result.

A guide only, based on the Act and Home Office guidance. Your tier depends on the full rules, including exclusions and premises within larger premises.

Where the law will bite in Inverness

Venues likely to be in scope include tourist attractions, theatres and arts centres, football stadiums, shopping centres. Areas with a high concentration of qualifying premises include:

  • Eastgate Shopping Centre
  • Victorian Market
  • Riverside

Any premises in Inverness where 200 or more people can reasonably be present at once needs to prepare, from a single pub to a stadium. Use the free tier checker to see where you stand.

What venues in Inverness need to do

Standard tier (200 to 799 people): have procedures for evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication, make sure staff know what to do, and notify the SIA. There is no legal requirement for building works. See the four procedures explained.

Enhanced tier (800 or more): all of the above, plus documented public protection measures provided to the SIA and, for organisations, a designated senior individual. See enhanced tier duties.

The Act applies in Scotland as it does elsewhere in the UK, and the Security Industry Authority (SIA) is the regulator. Premises licences in Scotland are issued by local licensing boards, which are separate from Martyn's Law duties.

Local contacts and support

  • The Highland Council is your local council; alcohol premises licences are issued by the local licensing board. Keep your licence conditions, fire risk assessment and Martyn’s Law procedures consistent.
  • Police Scotland provides protective security advice through Counter Terrorism Security Advisers.
  • ProtectUK offers free official training, including ACT awareness e-learning. See our guide to free training and resources.

Guides for Inverness’s main venue types

Frequently asked questions

Does Martyn's Law apply to venues in Inverness?

Yes, if your premises qualifies. The law covers premises in Inverness where 200 or more people can reasonably be expected to be present at the same time, and certain events of 800 or more. Premises with 800 or more fall into the enhanced tier, except places of worship, early years settings, schools and further education, which stay in the standard tier.

Who enforces Martyn's Law in Inverness?

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) regulates Martyn's Law across the UK, including Inverness. The Highland Council is not the regulator for these duties, although your licensing and fire safety obligations still apply.

When do the duties start in Inverness?

The duties are expected to come into force in spring 2027, at the same time across the UK. Existing premises will then have three months to notify the SIA.

Where can venues in Inverness get local security advice?

Police Scotland can provide counter terrorism protective security advice through its Counter Terrorism Security Advisers, and free training is available through ProtectUK. Report suspicious activity to the police on 999 in an emergency, or through gov.uk/ACT.