Edinburgh doubles firework ban zones for Bonfire Night

Fireworks being thrown at a line of police in the Niddrie area of Edinburgh.
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Niddrie, Calder Road, Gracemount and Moredun were worst affected by disorder last year

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Councillors have said that fireworks can be banned in nine areas in Edinburgh this coming bonfire season - more than double compared to last year.

The Firework Control Zones (FCZ) have been agreed in response to widespread disorder last year, when they were first in effect.

Temporary restrictions will return for 10 days around 5 November in Niddrie, Balerno, Seafield and Calton Hill, while Corstorphine, Longstone, Sighthill/Broomhouse, Gracemount and Moredun will get a FCZ for the first time.

A report presented to councillors on the Culture and Communities Committee said there had been "overwhelming support" for the zones during a public consultation.

Edinburgh became the first local authority to outlaw fireworks in August 2024, in response to constant anti-social behaviour.

There was serious disorder in the Niddrie area the previous year, which led to support for a ban from community groups and animal welfare charities.

The Scottish government gave local authorities new powers to designate FCZs in 2022 following a major riot in Dundee.

Last year police said Niddrie, Calder Road, Gracemount and Moredun were the areas in Edinburgh worst affected by disorder linked to fireworks.

The city council had responses from almost 1,800 people and organisations to its consultation on local firework bans this year, with at least 88% in favour control zones in each of the nine designated areas.

A report presented to councillors said it was also likely that Police Scotland would again introduce Dispersal Zones in the city, allowing them to instruct groups of two or more people to move on.

Setting off a firework in an FCZ is a criminal offence unless as part of a properly licensed public display.

Culture and communities convener, councillor Margaret Graham, said the restrictions between 31 October and 9 November were part of efforts to allow people to "enjoy Bonfire Night safely and responsibly".

She added: "The new FCZs being introduced are based on community requests and respond to real concerns around the safety of people and animals in these areas."

Animal welfare concerns

A baby red panda stares into the camera with its mouth open and paws clasped - it is being held by a zookeeper wearing a blue RZSS top and red gloves. The person's face is not pictured.Image source, RZSS
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Edinburgh Zoo's baby red panda Roxie died last year as a result of fireworks, experts said

In early November two red pandas at Edinburgh Zoo died, which veterinary experts said was a direct result of noise from fireworks.

Three-month-old Roxie choked on her own vomit on Bonfire Night, five days after her mother Ginger died unexpectedly - again at a time when pyrotechnics were being set off in the city.

The area around the zoo was not included in the four exclusion zones in 2024, but will be covered by the Corstorphine zone this year.

Ben Supple, deputy chief executive of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), said staff were grateful for this year's exclusion zone around the zoo as it would help protect animals.

Ben Supple stands in front of trees and the sign for the red panda enclosure at Edinburgh Zoo. He has short grey hair and is wearing a dark blue t-shirt and a blue gilet.
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Ben Supple said reducing noise from fireworks was better for animal welfare

He said: "The loud noises can be incredibly frightening. Many pet owners, livestock owners, horse owners will be aware of the sheer fright, panic and stress that fireworks can cause animals.

"The more we can reduce the noise, the better it's going to be for animal welfare."

Murrayfield Stadium is less than two miles away from Edinburgh Zoo, and recent concerts there, including the Oasis events, have concluded with a fireworks display.

Edinburgh's Royal Military Tattoo has replaced its traditional fireworks finale at the castle this summer with a drone show and low-noise fireworks.

But Mr Supple said this was less of an issue compared Bonfire Night, adding: "Our biggest concern around fireworks in the November period is the constant barrage of noises which can cause severe stress to animals – not just once or twice, but over a prolonged period of time."

Councillors in Glasgow have already confirmed it will have three firework control zones from 1 to 10 November this year, following a failed attempt to implement zones in 2024.