New firework control zones due to come into force in Scotland's biggest cities within days will only work if they are properly enforced, according to Record View.
The zones will make it an offence for people to set fireworks off in certain areas. However, concerns remain that fireworks are still far too easy for teenagers to buy over the counter, despite repeated pledges for a crackdown.
Fireworks launched at emergency services
Every November, fireworks are launched at police and fire services. These pyrotechnics can be extremely dangerous if they fall into the wrong hands.
Sharon Ramsay, a paediatric specialist at the Scottish National Burns Centre, has warned that injuries from fireworks can be life-changing. Her employers help treat more than a third of the country's fireworks cases.
Fireworks should be for community celebrations
A well-organised fireworks display is a great night out for all, but council cutbacks have meant there are far fewer of them about on November 5 than there used to be. Instead, the weeks leading up to Bonfire Night have been an excuse for a minority to set off fireworks in the street.
Fireworks should be the preserve of community celebrations and sports club achievements. They should not be sold to gangs of youths who are intent on causing trouble.
Worrying wait for public sector workers
Few Scots would disagree that local services have deteriorated in their area over the last 15 years. Tory-imposed austerity, repeated Covid lockdowns and Holyrood centralisation have left councils struggling to deliver basic services.
The NHS was struggling before the pandemic and waiting times have only grown in the years since. The vague aspirations outlined by John Swinney – slashing health board numbers and merging councils – have done little more than cause fear and alarm among blameless public sector workers.
It is not the fault of council staff or NHS administrators that the SNP government faces a £5billion black hole in its finances. Swinney has said the public sector workforce is too large and numbers must be reduced, but there are fears the process is being rushed.
Workers deserve clarity now. They shouldn't have to wait for another six months to find out if their employers are set to be scrapped.
