Shock as Highland Council bouncy castle ban hits Inverness schools and threatens to bring down Croy family firm
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A family-run bouncy castle business buoyant for over a decade is facing sudden financial ruin after a mystery Highland Council ban.
Since being set up 12 years ago, Croy-based firm Mascot Madness Entertainment has thrilled thousands of kids in and around Inverness at school fundraisers and big local events.
Despite an impeccable safety record, owners Danielle and Alasdair Stewart were shocked to learn in recent days that a large part of their inflatables income was now effectively burst.
Having been turned away at the gates of one local primary, five more schools have since cancelled bookings worth over £2000, blaming a change in council rules.
The married couple – parents of Jayden (14), Cameron (6) and Rory (5) – now fear for the future of a business that provides their main income.
Mr Stewart is a part-time lorry driver but dedicates much of his time to the bouncy castle business.
Asked to clarify the situation earlier this week, Highland Council was unable to give any explanation but said it was reviewing the situation.
Mrs Stewart (34), of Marybank, Croy, expected more cancellations in coming weeks. She said: “We’ve been left completely in the dark, with no consultation.
“If they were to continue this ban on bouncy castles in school, it is no exaggeration to say we would be ruined as a business.
“Everyone we have spoken to, friends, parents and teachers, thinks it is just insane.
“Kids have been through so much having been stuck indoors throughout Covid and now they’re being told bouncy castles in the playground are out of bounds.
“We’re just a small local business and it is only us and our own kids who are involved.
“It is just heartbreaking.”
Bouncy Castle hires can also offer head teachers a welcome chance to boost school funds by charging families per go.
The first inklings that something was wrong came three weeks ago when Mrs Stewart was turned away at the gates of Drummond School in Inverness.
The special needs charity SNAP had booked the firm for an event, but kids at the school were left tearful after being told there would be no bouncy castle.
Holm Primary then cancelled late last week and there have been call-offs from Milton of Leys, Cauldeen, Cawdor and Tarradale primaries.
Mrs Stewart added: “No-one at the council seems able to give me an answer.
“We started out with just a couple of mascot outfits all those years ago and we’ve worked really hard to build it up steadily.
“We’ve never had a single incident, injury or claim against us in the 12 years we have operated. All our equipment is Professional Inflatable Play Association (PIPA)-tested, annually.
“We’ve done big events like the Highland Games and Winter Wonderland for the council. It is a huge part of our income we’re very reliant on.
“After Covid, this was shaping up as really our first proper year back at it full tilt, with bookings coming in thick and fast.
“I just can’t understand why the council would do this.”
Highland Council was unable to offer any clarity on the situation, but a spokeswoman said it was reviewing the matter.
Culloden and Ardersier councillor Morven Reid, who has previously hired the firm for Balloch Gala, is seeking urgent answers from officials.
Cllr Reid, a depute Inverness Provost, said: “My understanding, at this moment in time, is that this rule has been in place for a period of time, but just hasn’t been on the booking form until now.
“The plight of Danielle and Alasdair’s business, and any others affected, is a massive concern. This has happened with no warning or lead-in time and we’re coming into the busiest period of the year for them.
“I’ve also been contacted by a member of Balloch Parent Council who are organising their school summer fete.
“In the past, when I was organising galas at Balloch Primary, one of our biggest income streams was the bouncy castles.
“The schools really need the income for all the extras for children.
“I’ve looked at the health and safety executive guidance and, from what I can see, if you follow the guidance there shouldn’t be an issue.
“I need to seek clarity on that, but if that is the decision across all council properties, we need to be understanding why.
“I’ve asked officers to come back to me on that as a matter of urgency.”
