Hi all
the Lanarkshire Chess League is now cancelled for the rest of the next year, i.e. no postponements. Any remain games will be treated as a draw and each team given one point each. The new season will start as scheduled at the normal time after September.  Since most clubs play either at a social club or communal venue this decision makes perfect sense both to health and logistical reasons.

I have just been told Paisley v Bellshill is postponed. What will happen to Division 1 championship ? Will it be declared null & void, played on-line or will title be awarded to current league leaders ? Or do we wait to see what they are doing for football ?

Hi folks, although I am in Prague at the moment, hoping to get my plane ok tomorrow, I have taken the decision to postpone sncl dated 29th March because of the Corona virus. I will confirm this with the venue on Monday. As far as results are concerned I will consult my team once I get home and see how much this virus is going to affect our future plans.

Hi folks. Although I am in Prague at the moment, hoping to get my plane ok tomorrow, I have taken the decision to postpone SNCL dated 29th March because of the Coronavirus. I will confirm this with the venue on Monday. As far as results are concerned I will consult my team once I get home and see how much this virus is going to affect our future plans.

We regret to announce the cancellation of the Scottish Girls Championship tomorrow,  Saturday 14th March.
The host venue, Lathallan School, Johnhaven, have decided to subject the whole school to a deep clean procedure over the coming weekend in view of the current corona virus situation. Therefore no external events can be held at the school this weekend, including the Scottish Girls chess championship. 
We aplogise for the short notice but we are are in a rapidly evolving health situation within the UK, and the desire of Lathallan School to ensure their premises are virus-free is easy to understand. 
It is hoped we can run the event later in the season. We will keep you informed.

On behalf of Steve Sawaryn 
President NEJCA

Hi All
Richardson/ Spens Tournaments
In view of recent developments  and in answer to several queries, I have decided to allow postponements of any fixture of the Richardson and Spens cups should any team wish it. This will possibly direct affect FIDE grading processes ( and possible board orders ) if the postponed fixture is played after March but I will advising on that by the grading officer.
 
In Summary the following changes should be observed:
1.      If any team wishes to postpone their fixture then that request will be accepted.
2.      If any match is postponed, then that will have a knock on effect on the date of the finals day In April
3.      Each team should provide a portable hand sanitiser in the meantime. Chess Scotland is looking into a longer term strategy for future rounds.
4.      All teams should work constructively with each other regarding the current issues.
5.      Boards should be placed as far apart as possible (more information about that later on)
6.       I will also temporarily allow an increase in numbers for the player registration form, within reason subject to my approval.
7.      Shaking of hands , before , during and after isn’t required and shouldn’t take place.
8.      Venues must have cleaning and general toilet facilities.

 
Scottish Championships
At the moment this tournament will go ahead. However this may change nearer the time and all individuals will be advised accordingly. Chess Scotland will endeavour to provide any additional requirements. It is recommended that all attendees provide refillable water bottles and Chess Scotland will have water jugs on hand

Team Lightning Tournament
Please note: This event, normally held after the SNCL round 7, is cancelled for this year.
 
Next week I will update the website of further developments. Any queries can be directly addressed to myself

Hi All
Richardson/ Spens Tournaments
In view of recent developments  and in answer to several queries, I have decided to allow postponements of any fixture of the Richardson and Spens cups should any team wish it. This will possibly direct affect FIDE grading processes ( and possible board orders ) if the postponed fixture is played after March but I will advising on that by the grading officer.
 
In Summary the following changes should be observed:
1.      If any team wishes to postpone their fixture then that request will be accepted.
2.      If any match is postponed, then that will have a knock on effect on the date of the finals day In April
3.      Each team should provide a portable hand sanitiser in the meantime. Chess Scotland is looking into a longer term strategy for future rounds.
4.      All teams should work constructively with each other regarding the current issues.
5.      Boards should be placed as far apart as possible (more information about that later on)
6.       I will also temporarily allow an increase in numbers for the player registration form, within reason subject to my approval.
7.      Shaking of hands , before , during and after isn’t required and shouldn’t take place.
8.      Venues must have cleaning and general toilet facilities.

 
Scottish Championships
At the moment this tournament will go ahead. However this may change nearer the time and all individuals will be advised accordingly. Chess Scotland will endeavour to provide any additional requirements. It is recommended that all attendees provide refillable water bottles and Chess Scotland will have water jugs on hand

Team Lightning Tournament
Please note: This event, normally held after the SNCL round 7, is cancelled for this year.
 
All announcements including this one will be placed on the forum and as of next week I will update the website of further developments. Any queries can be directly addressed to myself

Following the recent death of Stirling chess club's longest serving member Robert Togneri, his family are wondering what to do with his extensive collection of chess books and magazines.  It's been offered to the club, but while we shall take things directly relating to the club there are several crates of printed material and we simply haven't storage space to accept everything.

Does anyone know of a collector or dealer who would be interested in this?

Started yesterday in Prague. Scotland has 2 teams in the 50+ and 1 in the 65+.

Official website is @ http://www.wstcc2020.net/

The top 12 matches in each event can be watched live each day on chess24. 

When did David Levy last pull on a Scotland shirt I wonder?

We are moving towards a busy period in the CS calendar: SNCL Round 7, Team Lightening, Richardson Semis & Edinburgh Congress.

In light of the spread of coronavirus cases in Scotland, media messages about a likely epidemic and advice to avoid large crowds in enclosed spaces, I wonder what the current thinking is of organisers for these events? If the situation does escalate as looks likely then I'd think current plans must be at risk. I note chessbase is reporting many international opens have been cancelled and we've even seen a withdrawal from the candidates as a consequence of this. 

What is the thinking here?