Councillor’s anger over fireworks show
Concern over pyrotechnics at Stirling Castle
Concerns have been raised over a firework display which took place at Stirling Castle at the weekend.
It was part of a private event at the castle and started around 10.30pm on Saturday and lasted for around 10 to 15 minutes.
Stirling North councillor, Danny Gibson who has objected to a previous display earlier this year, said the latest show of pyrotechnics was disappointing.
Councillors failed to halt the display in March, held as part of a private Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland event hosted by transport tycoon Brian Souter.
Councillor Gibson said: “I’m extremely surprised and disappointed that Stirling Castle seem to have completely disregarded the feedback from that time.
“Personally, I fail to see why residents living in the vicinity of the castle should have their peace and quiet disturbed by a private or corporate event held there.
“My own nine–month old baby was woken up by the noise, and I’ve heard of numerous other similar issues.
“Although the council does get the odd grumble about bonfire night and Hogmanay, I think most folk would understand and accept those as appropriate public events.
“I think the lack of notice and public information by Stirling Castle this time was totally unacceptable as I’m afraid a tweet the day before is simply not on.
“I have asked Stirling Council officials to urgently investigate all aspects of this event, including ensuring that all appropriate permissions were sought and complied with. I’ll certainly be doing everything I can to make sure this kind of situation never happens again.”
However, Stirling Council says that the latest display did not require prior permission.
A spokesperson said: “As this was a private event, and the firework display was scheduled for before 11pm, no Temporary Public Entertainment licence was required.”
Stirling Castle said prior notice was given to the public ahead of the event.
A spokesperson for Historic Environment Scotland, who run Stirling Castle, said: “The fireworks display finished before 11pm as legally required and, as the event was held on HES land, there was no legal requirement to apply for a licence.
“A public notice was displayed in the Stirling Observer, and a notice was also provided to the Mercat Cross Community Council.
“HES provided notice to the public via its Stirling Castle social media accounts.”
It’s understood that the private event was organised by a firm called 2BUK Destination Management Specialists who helped to stage a ‘Partner President’s Circle’ event on behalf of American computer giant, Dell EMC.