NFU wants lantern ban

We already did it, says council

A call has been made for sky lanterns to be banned due to the risks they pose to animals and property.

The National Farmers Union Scotland has urged local authorities across Scotland to ban the lanterns.

Stirling Council said restrictions are already in place in this area and it is up to the Scottish Government to decide if a complete ban is required.

NFU Scotland president Andrew McCornick said several fires have been caused by the lanterns, which are often released to mark a celebration or milestone.

He said: “Sky lanterns are seemingly innocent devices and are beautiful to look at but they can cause untold damage as there is no control over where these burning structures of paper, metal and wood decide to land.

“Across the UK there have been many reports now of fires started by lanterns and harm to the health of livestock when lanterns have landed in farmers’ fields and been eaten.

“There is a further risk to stock when grass is cut and ensiled for winter feed and the wire is chopped up and subsequently contained in hay or silage.

“We applaud the action already taken against sky lanterns by seven Scottish local authorities and we urge other councils to take their responsibilities as seriously.

“We also ask members of the public to avoid the use of lanterns and to understand the risks that these can pose.”

The lanterns have been banned by authorities in Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Angus, Falkirk, Highland, Perth and Kinross, Shetland Islands and Orkney Islands.

Stirling Council believe its laws are among the strictest in the country.

Convenor for public safety Martin Earl said: “We already have in place one of the most effective set of prohibitions for these lanterns of all local authorities in Scotland.

“The issue has been discussed at committee and full council meetings, resulting in an agreed and comprehensive set of measures to prohibit these potentially dangerous items being used.

“Any move to make these items illegal across Scotland, as is already the case in some countries, is a matter for the Scottish Government to address.”

Trossachs and Teith councillor Fergus Wood has campaigned against the lanterns.

His dog once needed seven stitches in her neck from an injury caused by lantern debris.

Regulations against the sale of lanterns were tightened by the council in December.