Remember, remember – and be careful – on the 5th of November.
I wonder if it’s an age thing because I was never this grumpy about fireworks before.
Nowadays it just seems like they’re a bit of a pain. And a lot of that is because people don’t know how to use them properly, or when.
Fireworks have been linked to some terrible news stories this week.
On Monday we saw people using them dangerously during the Kirkton rioting in Dundee.
Photos from the night saw police officers standing in the smoke as fireworks went off all around them while families were trying to enjoy their Halloween.
And I was saddened to hear about the man who died after trying to rescue his dog at Aberdeen beach on Tuesday.
Locals said the animal had run off after been ‘spooked’ by a firework.
Fireworks are a nuisance far beyond Kirkton
Surely fireworks should be used on Bonfire night, at organised displays and in the right hands.
It’s now getting to the point where the build-up to Guy Fawkes night starts a week or two in advance, with people setting them off wherever and whenever they like.
Are fireworks really that exciting that they can’t wait?
I have a dog and thankfully he’s not that bad with them but I know people who have a terrible time with pets around November 5.
But surely if their use was restricted to that night only, people would have a better change of preparing for it.
There are plenty of organised displays around the Tayside and Fife area this year.
At least with them you can head out, knowing you will be within a safe distance and that you and your family can actually enjoy the display.
Fireworks 🎆
This Saturday is Bonfire Night and we have some handy tips to help your dog cope on the day 🐶
Read our guide for more advice on what to do during and after fireworks ➡️ https://t.co/1ezbRfysRm@Dogstrust #fireworks #bonfirenight #fireworksnight #dogadvice pic.twitter.com/fuQGUGc6Dm
— Dogs Trust Dundee (@DT_Dundee_) November 3, 2022
I know of organised displays at the South inch in Perth kicking off around 6.30pm; the recreation ground in Pitlochry (fireworks to be set off around 7pm); Dallerie playing fields in Crieff, where the gates are opening at 6.30pm; and Kirrie Hill in Kirriemuir, where the display is organised by the Rotary club and is due to start around 5.45pm.
Kirkton chaos means no fireworks displays in Dundee – but what about next year?
It’s just a shame that, due to the stupidity of some people, Dundee displays won’t be going ahead.
Supermarkets in the city have withdrawn fireworks from sale and maybe it will lead to a rethink for next year.
Fireworks should not be the type of thing you can go and buy with your pint of milk and loaf of bread.
Times are changing though.
In a few years we might even be getting rid of fireworks and having laser displays instead.
I’m all for it. It would look more impressive. It’s safer. And let’s be honest – sometimes standing watching fireworks on a freezing cold night in the rain really does leave you feeling that the night has been a damp squib.
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