New alert on lanterns

Possible harm to wildlife

Members of the public and businesses are being urged not to use Chinese lanterns as part of their bonfire celebrations - or at any other time of the year.

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority and National Farmers Union Scotland (NFU Scotland) want people to avoid using the lanterns which are constructed from paper with a wire or wooden frame and contain a lit candle.

They are said to be a proven fire risk and can be a danger to wildlife, forests and livestock, particularly if animals ingest the frame.

In recent years there have also been reports of the lanterns starting fires and damaging property across the UK.

Fifteen Scottish councils have already banned the release of sky lanterns and/ or helium balloons. Sky lanterns are also prohibited on premises and grounds owned by Stirling Council, which forms part of the Park. Their use is also prohibited during events in the council area, and this is given as a condition to any event licence issued by the council.

Stirling Council last year banned the sale or use of sky lanterns on any of its property or premises and voted to encourage organisers of events outwith council control to do likewise.

Sale of sky lanterns from other premises not controlled by the council is more complex, since it is not licensed and, as such, not regulated by the council.

The move was agreed after then councillor Fergus Wood, a Kinlochard farmer, lodged a motion on the issue. His dog once needed seven stitches in her neck for an injury caused by lantern debris, leading Mr Wood to brand them “a menace”.

The council had already previously made it a condition of any Public Entertainment Licence issued by them that no sky lanterns be allowed to be lit, used or released during any event. Enforcement action can be taken against a licence holder who breaches the condition, including suspension or revocation of the licence.

Simon Jones, director of conservation and visitor operations at Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park said: “Sky lanterns can seem like an innocent way to celebrate special occasions but unfortunately they can cause unintentional damage as there is no control over where they land. Many people may not be aware of the potential harm lanterns can cause to local wildlife and the environment.”