Ahead of Bonfire Night, Firework Control Zones are returning in Scotland’s two largest cities. Inside such a zone, fireworks may not be set off even in your own garden.
- Edinburgh – from 30 October to 8 November: Muirhouse and West Pilton; Portobello, Niddrie and Craigentinny; Gorgie, Saughton, Sighthill and Oxgangs; Liberton, Moredun, Gilmerton, Gracemount and the city centre.
- Glasgow – from 30 October to 9 November: the city centre around Central Station and St Enoch Square.
- Police can also set up dispersal zones and order groups of two or more people to leave an area if their behaviour causes alarm.
- Outside the zones, fireworks may be set off in Scotland from 6pm to 11pm, and on 5 November until midnight. Supplying fireworks to anyone under 18 is prohibited.
Police Scotland says those involved in disorder will be brought to justice. Community safety minister Kirsten Oswald stressed that the misuse of fireworks will not be tolerated.
Official displays – a selection from the fire service list
- Edinburgh: Craigmillar – Thursday 5 November, 7.30pm; Currie (King George V Park) – 5 November, 7.15pm; Stockbridge (The Grange) – Saturday 7 November, 7.30pm; Diwali in West Princes Street Gardens and a display on the Shore in Leith – Sunday 15 November, 7.30pm.
- Lothians: Haddington – 30 and 31 October, fireworks and funfair; Bathgate (showground) – Wednesday 4 November, 4.30pm–9.30pm.
- Ayrshire: Saltcoats (harbour) – Monday 2 November, from 5pm; Kilwinning (McGavin Park) – 5 November, food and funfair from 4.30pm; Ayr (Dam Park) – Saturday 7 November, gates from 5pm, fireworks 7.30pm; Girvan (seafront) – 7 November, fireworks 7pm.
- Borders: Kelso (Springwood Park) – 5 November, bonfire 6pm, fireworks 6.30pm; Galashiels (Gala RFC) – 7 November, 6.30pm; Peebles (Victoria Park) – 7 November, fireworks 7.30pm; Eyemouth (harbour) – 7 November, 7.30pm.
- Glasgow: the fire service list does not include any display in the city.
What it means for you
If you live in one of the zones, do not set off fireworks in your garden or on the street – you could face criminal liability. It is safer and cheaper to go to an organised display. Dog and cat owners should plan walks earlier, before dark.
Our assessment
This year the Edinburgh zones cover large parts of the city, including the centre, while in Glasgow they cover only the area around the main squares and the station. This is a step in the right direction, but its effectiveness depends on whether the police enforce the ban. For businesses in city centres, especially venues and shops, it is a signal to prepare for evenings with a heavier police presence.
What to do
- Check the maps of the Edinburgh zones on the City of Edinburgh Council website.
- Check display times just before you go on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service list – some details may change.
- The rules on using fireworks are on gov.scot.
- Check the weather with the Met Office before you go – organisers may cancel a display in strong winds.
Sources: STV News – “Bonfire Night offenders will face justice as firework control zones return” (21.10.2026); Scottish Fire and Rescue Service – Organised firework events 2026; The Edinburgh Reporter (08.2026).
We assess factual corrections and substantive responses. Verified changes are reflected in our reporting.
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