Edinburgh has expanded firework control zones to nine areas across the city for this year's Bonfire Night period, running from October 31 to November 9. The move follows years of violence and disorder, with police warning of an "unrelenting" pursuit of offenders.
The zones cover Balerno, Calton Hill, Corstorphine, Gracemount, Longstone, Moredun, Niddrie, Seafield, and Sighthill. Anyone caught illegally using fireworks within these areas faces a maximum £5,000 fine or up to six months in prison under the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022.
Authorities reported more than 60 people for fireworks offences during last year's Bonfire Night period. Police, firefighters, bus drivers, and residents experienced what authorities described as "unacceptable levels" of violence. In 2023, attackers threw fireworks and petrol bombs at police during clashes with young people in Niddrie.
Animal welfare concerns
Edinburgh expanded the zones amid growing concern for animal welfare. A three-month-old red panda named Roxie died at Edinburgh Zoo on Bonfire Night 2024, reportedly from fear and distress caused by fireworks. Zoo owners have called for tighter restrictions, including a ban on public sales.
Nearly six in ten cat owners in Scotland report their cats suffer due to fireworks, according to new survey data. Kim Fleming, manager of Cats Protection's Glasgow Adoption Centre, told Glasgow Live: "Many cats in our care find fireworks very stressful, and it's heartbreaking to see this year after year. We do everything we can - providing hiding places, calming music, pheromone diffusers, and reassurance, but the fear caused by fireworks is impossible to eliminate completely."
Authorities denied the Glasgow centre Firework Control Zone status for a second consecutive year, despite other local animal charities receiving approval. Alice Palombo, Advocacy and Government Relations Manager at Cats Protection, said: "We are extremely disappointed that our Glasgow centre was again not granted a Firework Control Zone. This simple measure could make a huge difference to cat welfare."
Police response
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs of Police Scotland warned: "I want to make it clear our pursuit of offenders for any crimes this year will be equally unrelenting. If you choose to create fear in your community, and if you choose to attack those who are deployed to keep people safe, you will face justice."
He added that police would use "all available technology, resources and policing tactics" to protect emergency service workers and the public during Operation Moonbeam, the annual policing response for Bonfire Night.
The UK Government has acknowledged calls for updated fireworks legislation. Commons Leader Sir Alan Campbell said: "The Government is acutely aware, particularly at this time of year, of concerns, not least around animal welfare."
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
