Edinburgh firework control zones: Dates, locations and everything you need to know as Bonfire Night rules introduced
More firework control zones are in place this year after being first introduced in Edinburgh in 2025
As Bonfire Night draws closer, work is ongoing to reduce disorder relating to fireworks in Edinburgh.
After serious incidents were seen across the city, including in 2023 when 67 police officers were injured in clashes with gangs in Niddrie, new rules around fireworks have been introduced to crackdown on disturbances.
This includes the introduction of firework control zones across Edinburgh. The zones are set to be re-introduced this year, with even more areas set to be affected. Here’s everything you need to know.
What is a Firework Control Zone?
A firework control zone (FCZ) is a designated area where it is temporarily illegal to set off fireworks, even on private property.
The zones were first introduced in Edinburgh in 2025, becoming one of the first cities in Scotland to exercise powers under the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022.
It came after the city was blighted by disorder on city streets in previous years on Bonfire Night.
Under the act, the use of fireworks is restricted within a certain area during specific times and is enforced by Police Scotland. Failure to comply with the restriction can result in prosecution, with fines of up to £5,000 or up to a six month custodial sentence.
Within an FCZ area, it is illegal to set off a firework on private property, except for items classed as ‘category 1 fireworks’. This included sparklers, crackers and party poppers.
It is also illegal to set off fireworks which will enter a FCZ area.
Where are FCNz in place this year?
This year, the number of firework control zones operating in Edinburgh has increased from four to 14. The full list of firework control zones in place for 2026 are:
- Balerno
- Calton Hill
- Corstorphine
- Gracemount
- Liberton
- Lochend
- Longstone
- Moredun
- Niddrie
- Seafield
- Sighthill/Broomhouse
- Stenhouse/Gaskill
- West Pilton
- Wester Hailes
Throughout Edinburgh, the 14 FCZs for 2026 will be in place from Friday, October 30 until Sunday, November 8.
What is a dispersal zone - and where are they in place?
As well as FCZs being in place, Police Scotland will be enforcing several dispersal zones across the city to crackdown on Bonfire Night disorder.
A dispersal zone is a specific area where police can give orders for a group of two or more people to disperse if they believe that they may be causing alarm or distress to members of the public. Anyone who does not follow police instruction when specifically told to leave the area will be arrested.
This year, zones will be operating throughout Edinburgh, including:
- City Centre
- Craigentinny
- Gilmerton
- Gorgie
- Gracemount
- Liberton
- Moredun
- Muirhouse
- Niddrie
- Oxgangs
- Pilton
- Portobello
- Saughton
- Sighthill
The dispersal zones will be enforced from 2pm until midnight, from Friday, October 30 until Thursday, November 5.
Speaking during the launch of Operation Moonbeam, Police Scotland’s dedicated taskforce to deal with Bonfire Night disorder, Chief Superintendent David Robertson, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam 2026, said: “I was encouraged by the reduction in serious offending in 2025.
“I also recognise the support of communities across Scotland as we worked to tackle violence and disorder and keep Halloween and Bonfire Night safe and enjoyable.
“I also want to thank every officer involved in community engagement, proactive enforcement and frontline deployments last year for their outstanding work to protect the public.
“Despite the overall reduction, some areas still experienced unacceptable criminality. Emergency service workers were again targeted with fireworks, bricks and other projectiles as they carried out their duties. This cannot and will not be tolerated.
“The criminal use of fireworks has very real consequences. The video we created with key partners in 2025 shows the potential for serious injury or death when fireworks are used as weapons.
“As in previous years, local policing divisions will work with relevant agencies to engage with and reassure communities and encourage people to share information about anyone planning disorder between Halloween and Bonfire Night. Firework Control Zones and Dispersal Zones will be in place in some areas. Officers can also issue Dispersal Orders requiring individuals to leave an area or face further police action.
“Operation Moonbeam resources will be ready to support local officers whenever required.
“My message to anyone who thinks violence and disorder are acceptable is clear: if you choose to put the public or emergency services at risk, we will use every resource available to identify you and bring you to justice, including body-worn video and CCTV footage.”