Highland joins Scotland’s fight against fire and urges locals to attend organised bonfire displays.

1st November 2013

In the run up to Bonfire Night, The Highland Council and partners - Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Police Scotland - are asking people to “remember, remember on the 5th of November” that organised bonfire displays are safer and more spectacular.

Councillor Drew Millar, Chairman of the Council’s Community Safety, Public Engagement and Equalities Committee is urging folks to attend properly organised bonfires. He said: “Careless bonfires take fire fighters away from other incidents – putting lives at risk. If you can, it’s better to attend a safe community bonfire in your area, rather than create a possible DIY fireworks disaster.”

A number of organised bonfires and fireworks displays are taking place throughout the Highlands in Cromarty, Dornoch, Dunvegan, Rosemarkie, Tain, Inverness, Kincraig, Glengarry, Thurso, Ballachulish and Invergordon. Details of the events are as follows:

· Cromarty Bonfire and Fireworks Night, Friday 1 November at 6pm.

· Dornoch Community Bonfire and Fireworks, Saturday 2 November. Torch light procession leaves the Square at 6:30pm to Meadows Park, where the torches light the bonfire at 7pm.

· Dunvegan Castle will be holding their annual Garden Fireworks Display on Saturday 2 November from 6pm.

· Rosemarkie Amenities Association – Bonfire and Fireworks at Rosemarkie Beach, Saturday 2 November 6:30pm.

· Tain Gala Association is organising a Bonfire and Firework in Tain display at 7pm on Saturday 2 November.

· On Tuesday 5 November the City of Inverness Grand Bonfire and Fireworks Display will start at 7:30pm in Bught Park. A 20 minute musical fireworks display will be staged by the award winning display team from Fireworx Scotland.

· Also on 5 November 6:15pm – 7:30pm (weather permitting), at Kincraig in Badenoch and Strathspey, the Kincraig Community Hall Association is running a bonfire and fireworks display at the War Memorial Field.

· Glengarry Firework Display and Bonfire, Tuesday 5 November 6:30pm at Craigard Park, Invergarry.

· At Thurso, on Saturday 9 November, Thurso Rotary Club is organising a Firework Display and Bonfire at Thurso Harbour and Esplanade at 6.45pm.

· Ballachulish Community Council Bonfire and Fireworks Display – 7pm on Saturday 9 November at Ballachulish Quarry, Ballachulish.

· Invergordon Torchlight Parade on Saturday 9 November at 6.30pm followed by a bonfire at 7pm supported by volunteers from the local Fire & Rescue Service.

Scott Hay, Local Senior Officer for Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in Highland, said: “We want people to join the fight against fire and attend an organised display. They are safer and more spectacular.

“Carelessness around home bonfires could end up taking fire fighters away from other incidents which could put lives at risk. People have been known to consume alcohol during home displays and what is certain is that fire and alcohol don’t mix.
“If people must hold a home display then please visit the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website and follow our safety advice at: http://www.firescotland.gov.uk/your-safety/bonfire-night.aspx or follow links from there to our partners websites.”

Chief Inspector Graeme Murdoch, Area Commander, Police Scotland said: “We urge everyone to follow the safety advice given by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in respect of bonfires and use of fireworks. We want people to enjoy the time of year in safety and recommend that organised displays or events are the best way to do so.

"At this time of year, we also receive a number of calls relating to the irresponsible and illegal use of fireworks in public places. I would therefore remind everyone that it is not just illegal to sell or supply adult fireworks to a person under the age of 18 but it is also illegal for any person under the age of 18 to be in possession of an adult firework in a public place. We appeal to retailers and parents to be aware of the law to assist us in keeping fireworks out of the hands of young people.”