Edinburgh Rejects Citywide Firework Control Zone in Favour of Local Solutions

Edinburgh councillors have decided against a citywide fireworks control zone, opting instead to tackle issues at a local level. Rather than a blanket ban, they’re focusing on specific areas where firework-related antisocial behaviour has been a problem in the past. It’s a move that follows in the footsteps of West Lothian, where councillors recently ruled out a similar citywide restriction in favour of education and community engagement.

Targeted Firework Control Zones in the Works

Instead of an all-out restriction, Edinburgh City Council has backed plans to consult the public on introducing Fireworks Control Zones (FCZs) in Niddrie, Sighthill/Broomhouse, and Gracemount/Morton. If these zones get the green light, fireworks would be banned in these areas for ten days around Bonfire Night. The council has also invited the public to suggest additional locations where an FCZ might be beneficial.

The decision comes after reports that smaller FCZs trialled last year in places like Niddrie and Calton Hill had a noticeable impact, helping to reduce firework-related incidents. While it’s not a citywide approach, it’s clear the council sees some merit in these targeted restrictions.

Focus on Education and Engagement

The debate over firework control in Edinburgh isn’t just about restrictions. Earlier in the day, councillors heard from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), who highlighted the success of youth engagement schemes in tackling antisocial firework use. In particular, their Fireskills programme has been effective in educating young people on fire safety and responsible firework use.

Recognising the value of these initiatives, councillors have also requested further research into how the city can support Fireskills and other youth work projects. The aim is to encourage responsible firework use through education rather than relying solely on bans.

What Happens Next?

The results of the public consultations will be presented to the Culture and Communities Committee on 21 August 2025, at which point we’ll get a clearer picture of how the city intends to move forward. If the proposed FCZs are approved, they’ll be in place for Bonfire Night 2025, providing a more localised approach to managing firework-related issues.

For now, Edinburgh has chosen a balanced path—addressing specific trouble spots while recognising that fireworks, when used responsibly, remain an important and much-loved part of Bonfire Night celebrations. With a mix of targeted zones, community engagement, and education, the city hopes to ensure that everyone can enjoy the spectacle safely and sensibly.

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