A Perthshire adventure centre has been closed after a number of school children and staff fell ill with a sickness bug.
Several upcoming school visits to Dalguise Activity Centre, near Dunkeld, have been cancelled as a result of the breakout.
A number of trips to the centre in recent days have been disrupted by the sickness bug, with multiple children being sent home early.
School groups from Perthshire and Fife are among those impacted, as well as Aberdeen and Stonehaven.
NHS Tayside ‘investigating’ sickness bug breakout at Dalguise
A spokesperson for NHS Tayside confirmed it is currently investigating the situation with Perth and Kinross Council.
They said the health board had received a number of reports of suspected gastrointestinal illness at the centre – but added that no one affected is seriously ill.
Gastroenteritis is a common condition that causes diarrhoea and vomiting. It is usually caused by a bacterial or viral tummy bug.
A spokesperson for the health board said: “NHS Tayside Health Protection Team and environmental health officers from Perth and Kinross Council are investigating a number of cases of suspected gastrointestinal illness at an activity centre in Perthshire.
“NHS Tayside and Perth and Kinross Council have worked closely with staff at the facility.
“Appropriate advice has been provided to the people affected and no one is seriously ill.”
Fife Council confirmed a number of staff and children became unwell following a trip to the centre, which is operated by PGL Travel, last week.
Shelagh McLean, head of education and children’s services, said: “We alerted parents and Fife’s public health team and issued advice on what to do if someone becomes ill.
“No trips are planned to Dalguise from Fife this week but we will make sure any public health advice has been followed before any future trips are taken.”
A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council said that some schools in the area have cancelled trips to the centre as a result of the situation.
They said: “We’re not aware of any pupils from our schools attending PGL Dalguise in recent weeks and falling ill, however a very small number of school trips to the centre were cancelled as a result of it being closed due to the current situation.”
PGL Dalguise to provide refunds to families
Aberdeen City Council confirmed six primary school groups from the city were forced to return home from Dalguise on Wednesday following the outbreak.
A spokesperson said: “Arrangements were made for six primary school groups from Aberdeen to return home from an outdoor centre in Dalguise in Perthshire yesterday following an outbreak of sickness.
“A number of children and staff were affected and are recovering at home.
“PGL Dalguise has agreed to provide a full refund to families.”
‘Parents want to know what’s going on’
A mother of a disappointed child in Aberdeen who was due to visit Dalguise next week said: “This is the first trip for lots of schools since Covid, so lots of school children were very excited.
“They have looked forward to this all year. It’s a big deal.
“Parents are writing to authorities to find out what’s going on.”
What to do if you experience symptoms of gastroenteritis
According to NHS Tayside, anyone with symptoms of gastroenteritis should:
- Stay off work or school until at least 48 hours after the gastroenteritis symptoms have stopped
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water particularly after using the toilet and before preparing or handling food
- Disinfect any surfaces or objects that could be contaminated – it’s best to use a bleach-based household cleaner
PGL Dalguise hosts adventure activity holidays for primary school groups across the country.
The travel company has been approached for comment.
