Spectacular firework display heard around Edinburgh transports one rescue cat back to war zone
One adorable cat is still stuck hiding in a wardrobe after last night’s “colossal” firework display
Residents in Leith are up in arms after being surprised by a "colossal" fireworks and drones display that left one traumatised cat hiding in a cupboard.
When a thunderous display of fireworks erupted from the Royal Yacht Britannia, local social media pages immediately flooded with pictures and videos from those taken by surprise by what they were witnessing out of their windows.
Those nearby were in awe and immediately took to social media to share footage from the private event that saw drones map out the shape of a piper in the night sky before a massive cacophony of noise and colour began.
Comment sections were filled with those calling the scenes "spectacular" and “fabulous”.
Nigel Williams, who lives less than a kilometre away near the Shore, was less impressed.
“It was like an act of extreme vandalism. If it was a group of kids up in Niddrie the police would soon be on them but because it's some ‘respected industrialist’ they can do what they like,” he said.
Having been rescued from the Middle East just a few months ago, his Arabian Mau Kevin immediately scampered into a wardrobe when the fireworks began at around 9pm, “retraumatised” by the loud bangs.
He has remained tucked away in the wardrobe ever since, immediately jumping back in when Mr Williams tries to encourage him out.
The 71-year-old and his wife Suzanne have rescued a number of street kittens from Dubai over the years where, he said, they are “treated like vermin” and “routinely taken out and dumped in the desert”.
Mr Williams said: “When you’ve got a cat from an environment like that, and you try and put it back together again and then this happens, he thinks ‘oh my God, I'm back there’.
“What would the Queen think of it, her being such an animal lover, if her cherished yacht was being used for this kind of stuff.
“I’ve lived in Leith for 20 years and I don’t remember anything like this happening.”
Nearby Ocean Terminal, who did not organise the event, warned residents of the approximately seven minute long private display on its Facebook on Tuesday.
Mr Williams said he and other residents had no idea fireworks, which some on social media suggested could be heard as far as Tranent in East Lothian, were going to take place.
Dispensation from the City of Edinburgh Council is only required for firework displays held between 11pm and 7am.
The council introduced Firework Control Zones across the city in 2024 to prevent anti-social behaviour and protect animals and vulnerable people. This year 14 of these designated areas for launching fireworks will be in place from October 20 to November 8.
Back in 2024, Edinburgh Zoo’s three-month-old baby panda died from stress caused by fireworks, increasing calls for tougher action.
A spokesperson for the Royal Yacht Britannia said: “There was a private fireworks display that took place on September 3.”