Readiness and Resilience for Events

Counter terrorism 

Unfortunately events in the UK have been targeted by terrorists in the past.  The UK's current terrorism threat level is set by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre and can change based on intelligence. This level informs how proportionate your response should be. 

Visit: Terrorism threat levels – GOV.UK 

ProtectUK provides guidance, e-learning and tools for organisations to reduce vulnerability and strengthen protective measures. 

Visit: ProtectUK 

The counter terrorism chapter of the Purple Guide was created with support from the National Counter Terrorism Security office. Visit The Purple Guide for more guidance (subscription required).  

Martyn’s Law, officially the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, will make it a legal requirement for venues and events to consider and reduce the risk of terrorism. The Act was passed in Parliament on 3 April 2025, and there will be an implementation period of at least 24 months. For more information visit:

Martyn's Law leaflet – ProtectUK 

Martyn’s Law explainer video – ProtectUK  

Mythbuster document – ProtectUK 

To further support event organisers and venues prepare for Martyn’s Law, the Home Office launched a set of practical resources (February 2026). These include: 

• Infographic on premises scope 
• Infographic on events scope 
• Top tips document 

For larger scale events, for example those subject to the Safety Advisory Group process, Police Scotland may assign a specialist Security Co-ordinator (CT SecCo) to support planning where required. This officer is trained in assessing risk and proposing mitigating actions in relation to counter-terrorism.  

Inclement weather 

Weather is a major factor for events in Scotland - even indoor events can be impacted by travel disruption and adverse conditions. 

Consider all weather types and build responses into your event management and contingency plans. This is increasingly important in the context of climate change. 

Your risk management plan should identify key risks such as inclement weather and the mitigating actions you will take to prevent or reduce the severity of their impacts. An example of this might be high winds which could delay your installation of infrastructure during the build phase or may force temporary show stop or full cancellation of the event.   

Other weather-related risks to consider 

• Lightning strikes 
• Flooding 
• Snow and ice 
• Fog and poor visibility 
• Heatwaves and sun exposure 

You may want to: 

• Source historical weather data for your event location 
• Schedule around typical weather patterns 
• Commission site-specific forecasts or consult a meteorologist 

If you have weather-related insurance, you may need a loss adjuster on site. Insurers may agree to cover costs to help avoid cancellation (eg paying for trackway to protect saturated ground). 

For more guidance, see the Purple Guide chapter on "Coping with the Weather" and Event management – meteorological services – Met Office. 

Strong communication is vital before, during and after an event. Document how you’ll communicate with stakeholders and what tools you’ll use in different situations. 

Typical tools include: 

• Mobile phones, landlines, radios, emails 
• File sharing systems 
• Digital radios, PA systems, CCTV 
• Variable message signs and LED screens 
• Incident management software 

For larger events, additional infrastructure may be needed – such as satellite communications , radio repeaters or boosted mobile coverage. 

Test your communication systems beforehand. Consider: 

• Training staff on radio protocols 
• Testing for radio interference and range 
• Secure document handling and the risk of cyber-attacks (see NCSC – What is Cyber Security?) 
• Tabletop testing of your crisis communications 

Event control / Multi-Agency Control Centres (MACC) 

For large or complex events, you may require an Event Control facility or MACC, where emergency services and agencies are co-located with organisers to coordinate real-time decisions. 

Having visual oversight (eg a room overlooking the venue or access to CCTV) can help increase your awareness of any situations in addition to operational staff reporting from the ground.