On 21 August 2025 Culture and Communities committee received recommendations from council officers on Firework Control Zones (FCZ) following the public consultation. The Committee voted to reintroduce FCZs in Balerno, Calton Hill, Niddrie and Seafield as well as new FCZs in Corstorphine, Moredun, Gracemount, Longstone and Sighthill between 31 October and 9 November 2025.
This means it will be illegal to set off fireworks anywhere, even on private property, in or into these areas. These zones can help reduce noise, stress, littering and antisocial behaviour caused by fireworks.
Download the FCZ notice of decision report (PDF)
FCZs will support any dispersal zones planned by Police Scotland around Bonfire Night. We are working with emergency services to keep communities safe. As a part of this we will check fly-tipping hotspots, co-ordinate CCTV cameras, visit shops selling fireworks and work with young people in our communities.
You can help us by
- putting your rubbish out for collection leading up to bonfire weekend and, where possible, storing your bins securely over the bonfire period
- emailing us at waste@edinburgh.gov.uk about any large items you spot that could be used for part of a bonfire
- reporting any unauthorised fireworks sellers to the Police or Crimestoppers
- reporting any unauthorised bonfires or firework displays by calling: the Council - 0131 200 2000, Police Scotland – 101 or Crimestoppers - 0800 555 111.
Timeline
March 2025 - communities were able to apply for areas to be considered as Firework Control Zones.
April to June 2025 - these applications were assessed and evaluated by the Council, fire, and police services.
June to July 2025 – public consultation on proposed zones.
August - Culture and Communities committee considered a report on the findings of the consultation and recommended Firework Control Zones in
- Balerno
- Calton Hill
- Corstorphine
- Gracemount
- Longstone
- Moredun
- Niddrie
- Seafield
- Sighthill.
60 day lay period before zones can be put into place.
31 October to 9 November – potential Firework Control Zones.
About firework control zones and the legislation
We can not ban fireworks, as this is a reserved right for the UK Government. The does give councils power to introduce Firework Control Zones (FCZ) limiting the use of fireworks for specific times. Once an FCZ has been agreed, Police Scotland will seek to enforce any offences under the . The maximum penalty is a £5,000 fine or up to six month custodial sentence.
We will use FCZs along with other measures to support the safe use of fireworks. Currently we tackle issues involving fireworks by
- raise awareness within local communities by carrying out effective early intervention and prevention with families
- engaging with young people in schools, through our local partnership approach with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and Police Scotland
- engaging with young people using diversionary activities
- working with Police Scotland who carry out enforcement activities.
Before a FCZ can be agreed or if a FCZ needs to be amended or revoked we must consult with
- people who live or work in the proposed zone
- other members of the local community in or near the proposed zone.
- other persons or bodies of interest that the local authority considers having a connection with the proposed zone.
Exemptions within a FCZ include
- public firework displays, subject to certain requirements
- the use of certain fireworks designated as being grade F1.
An FCZ can be considered for the following reasons:
- misuse of fireworks/injuries
- impact on vulnerable groups
- environmental protection
- animal welfare.
The UK Firework Review is a full of tips, advice and informative articles about having safe and successful firework displays.