Edinburgh Residents Invited to Apply for Firework Control Zones Ahead of Bonfire Night

Residents across Edinburgh are being invited to share their views on where Firework Control Zones (FCZs) should be introduced during Halloween and Bonfire Night.

FCZs may be put in place to address concerns around animal welfare, the misuse of fireworks, impacts on vulnerable groups and environmental protection. The zones are intended to reduce noise, distress and litter linked to fireworks in residential areas, applying to private spaces such as gardens and restricting when fireworks can be used.

Communities interested in applying are encouraged to speak with their neighbours and agree to submit a joint application. Applications can be made by resident groups, community councils, or other community organisations.  To be considered, a community of residents must include a minimum of 25 households.

Under current legislation, councils do not have the power to ban fireworks altogether – only the UK Government can do this. However, they can introduce FCZs to restrict the use of fireworks at specific times.

Once an FCZ has been agreed, Police Scotland will seek to enforce any offences under the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022. The maximum penalty is a £5,000 fine or up to a six-month custodial sentence.

Of the nine FCZs introduced in 2025, four will continue this year as they were approved for an extended two-year period after previously being designated as a zone:

• Balerno
• Calton Hill
• Niddrie
• Seafield

Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham said:

Firework control zones give communities a real say in how fireworks are used or managed in their neighbourhoods.

We know that for many people, including families with young children, older residents and pet owners, fireworks can cause significant distress. The disorder we’ve witnessed in recent times can never be repeated, so I’m glad that our efforts had such a positive effect last year.

These zones will continue to help reduce disruption while still allowing people to celebrate safely and responsibly, however, it is just one tool for minimising the negative impact of fireworks at this time of year, and we’ll continue to work closely with Police Scotland and other partners to look at different ways of addressing the issue.

I’d encourage all those who are interested to speak to their neighbours about applying.

Applications are open until 24 April. Further information on how to apply is available on the Council’s website.

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