Let’s keep the fireworks season peaceful - Ian Murray
On cold, dark autumn nights, fireworks can bring some much-needed colour and excitement. But for many they also bring undue stress, anxiety and as we’ve seen over recent years, danger on our streets.
Few will have forgetten the disorder we saw in Gilmerton in 2023 and 2024, in which fireworks, bricks and bottles were being used as missiles against buses and police.
Thankfully, last year was a marked improvement. In May this year I published the results of my residents' survey reflecting on the fireworks period in 2025, in which people from across Edinburgh South shared their experiences.
Almost seven in ten said their overall experience in the fireworks period in 2025 was better than in previous years and while nearly three in four said that the decision of major retailers to not sell fireworks - following my letter asking them to refrain from doing so - helped.
Progress should be recognised, but we cannot become complacent. Every family should feel safe in their neighbourhood and everyone should be able to live in their community without feeling targeted.
This year measures are underway to ensure that the fireworks season remains peaceful. The council have introduced Firework Control Zones in Liberton Grange, Gracemount and Moredun. Within these zones, setting off fireworks is prohibited.
Moreover, Police Scotland have a dedicated public order response ready to be deployed if disorder breaks out. And I’m pleased to confirm that, after writing to the major supermarkets in Edinburgh South, all of them have once again confirmed that they will not be selling fireworks in their local stores this year.
Most important of all is the work done by local community groups and youth workers. It is community groups and volunteers such as Goodtrees in Moredun, and the new Youth Club programme at the Gilmerton Community Centre, that do vital work in supporting young people.
But we shouldn’t be so reliant on community organisations. The Scottish Government is failing to see that our police and schools require far greater support to both respond to crime and anti-social behaviour, and crucially, deal with the issue at its source.
Concerns over antisocial behaviour over the fireworks season are part of a broader concern that I’m hearing from residents across the south of Edinburgh, that crime and anti-social behaviour are widespread, regularly witnessed by people just trying to go about their business and are not being dealt with properly.
If we are serious about stamping out the disorder and anti-social behaviour that too often accompanies fireworks season, then we need sustained investment from the Scottish Government in policing, youth services and education, alongside continued engagement with local communities.
The Scottish Government have received nearly £18bn in additional resources from the UK Labour government since July 2024. But where has that money gone?
Only by tackling the root causes of these issues can we ensure that Bonfire Night is remembered for the spectacle in the sky, not for chaos on our streets, and indeed ensure that our streets are safe throughout the whole year. Be safe.