Remember, remember the fifth of November for all the right reasons!

The Council is supporting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service plea for folk to attend organised public Bonfire Night events rather than family displays – with an additional reminder to be Covid-19 safe even though outside.

Those who are choosing to host or attend private garden displays are urged to take care when buying fireworks and reminded that the law in regard to fireworks has changed in Scotland. It is now illegal to set off fireworks before 6pm and after 11pm – extending to midnight on 5 November and 1am on Hogmanay, Chinese New Year and Diwali.

Orkney Islands Council Trading Standards manager, Gary Foubister said: “Anyone holding their own fireworks display should pay particular attention to the Fireworks Code and ensure that appropriate safe distances are observed. 

“Any groups should also ensure they are compliant with Scottish Government Covid-19 guidance, particularly given the ongoing community transmission rates. Trading standards officers are visiting licensed retailers in the run-up to Friday, November 5, to ensure they continue to adhere to the law regarding the sale of fireworks.”

Trading Standards at Orkney Islands Council have issued advice on what type of fireworks people should buy. Only two kinds of fireworks should be sold for use in gardens – F2 and F3.

Mr Foubister said: “For those rated F2, people must be at least eight metres away for safety. For those marked F3 the safe distance rises to at least 25 metres. 

“Anyone intending to set fireworks off should also be mindful of weather conditions in our exposed climate.”

Fireworks cannot be sold to anyone under 18 and must be compliant with strict safety standards. 

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has also issued advice on keeping safe around fireworks.

There are other key messages contained in the ROSPA website and also the SSPCA website with regard to animals.