For the first time, Glasgow has put firework control zones (FCZs) into effect in three neighborhoods, marking a major shift in how the city manages the annual surge of fireworks-related disturbances around Bonfire Night. The move, which comes after years of public debate and mounting concerns from animal welfare advocates, local residents, and emergency services, aims to curb the chaos and protect both people and pets from the dangers and distress associated with private firework use.
On November 1, 2025, the FCZs officially came into force in Pollokshields, Govanhill, and Broomhouse, following a delay last year when Glasgow City Council missed a key legal notice deadline. According to BBC News, the zones are part of a wider effort to address the disorder that has plagued certain neighborhoods during the Bonfire Night period. Within these designated areas, it is now a criminal offence for members of the public to set off fireworks—whether in private gardens or public spaces—from November 1 to November 10. The only exception is for sparklers, which remain permitted.
The introduction of these zones is being closely watched across Scotland, especially by animal welfare organizations like Cats Protection. The charity, which operates an adoption center in the Auchinloch area of Glasgow, has been campaigning for stricter controls on fireworks to protect animals from the severe stress caused by loud bangs and bright flashes. However, Cats Protection’s recent plea to have a firework control zone established near its adoption center was denied for the second year in a row, despite similar measures being approved for other animal charities.
“Cats Protection is extremely disappointed in the decision,” said Alice Palombo, the charity’s Advocacy & Government Relations Manager, as reported by STV News. “The ban could make a huge difference to cat welfare.” Palombo emphasized the charity’s ongoing campaign urging the Scottish Government to fully implement the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022. The Act, passed by Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) after a major riot in Dundee, gives local authorities the power to introduce FCZs and includes provisions for a licensing system for private firework use, restrictions on the days fireworks can be sold and set off, and a reduction in maximum noise levels.
The rationale behind these new restrictions is clear. According to a recent survey cited by STV News, nearly six in ten cat owners in Scotland report that their pets suffer due to fireworks. The charity warns that the sudden, unpredictable noises and flashes can trigger serious stress and health issues in cats, including cystitis, house soiling, and destructive behavior. Kim Fleming, manager of the Glasgow adoption center, described the annual ordeal as “heartbreaking to see this year after year.” She added, “We do everything we can—providing hiding places, calming music, pheromone diffusers, and reassurance—but the fear caused by fireworks is impossible to eliminate completely.”
While Cats Protection did not succeed in securing a control zone for its own area, it continues to advocate for a more compassionate approach to firework use, seeking a balance between public enjoyment and the well-being of animals and their owners. The charity has also shared practical tips for pet owners on how to reduce the impact of fireworks: create a safe, cozy space with food, water, hiding places, and litter trays; keep cats indoors with windows and curtains closed; play calming background noise such as soft music or TV; use calming products like pheromone diffusers; and consult a vet if a cat struggles severely.
Meanwhile, the rollout of FCZs in Glasgow is being hailed as a step forward by both local authorities and the police. The zones were established after a public consultation process that, according to a Glasgow City Council spokesperson, received “strong support from local residents.” The council, working in partnership with Police Scotland and the fire services, reviewed incident data from previous years before deciding which areas would benefit most from the new restrictions. “People have every right to be fed up with the misuse of fireworks experienced around Bonfire Night,” the spokesperson told BBC News. “We hope the new control zones give the police another tool to tackle firework-related disorder in the most affected communities in Glasgow.”
The need for such measures is underscored by recent history. Pollokshields, one of the neighborhoods now under an FCZ, has seen repeated disorder on Bonfire Night, with reports of groups of hooded young men firing large fireworks at buildings, cars, and even people. Last year, emergency services in both Glasgow and Edinburgh faced significant challenges, including attacks on police and firefighters with fireworks, bricks, and bottles on November 5, 2024. In response, Police Scotland has launched Operation Moonbeam, its annual public order operation dedicated to tackling violence and disorder associated with Bonfire Night. The force reported that more than 60 people were charged with fireworks offences last year, and this year, it is dedicating more resources than ever before, with many officers equipped with body-worn video cameras.
Glasgow’s new FCZs are part of a broader movement across Scotland. On October 31, 2025, nine areas of Edinburgh—Balerno, Calton Hill, Corstorphine, Gracemount, Longstone, Moredun, Niddrie, Seafield, and Sighthill—also saw the introduction of similar restrictions, which will remain in place until November 9. The aim is consistent: to boost safety, reduce disturbances, and shield vulnerable residents and animals from the negative impacts of fireworks.
Enforcement of the new rules is strict. Police Scotland has the authority to issue penalties of up to six months in prison and fines of up to £5,000 for those found breaching the FCZ restrictions. This tough stance reflects both the seriousness of previous incidents and the strong support from communities affected by fireworks misuse.
While the new zones represent progress for many, they also highlight ongoing tensions between public celebration and private distress. As the debate continues, the hope among campaigners like Cats Protection is that future policies will further tip the balance in favor of animal welfare, ensuring that the joy of fireworks does not come at the expense of the city’s most vulnerable residents—whether human or feline.
For now, Glasgow’s firework control zones mark a significant step toward safer, more considerate celebrations, even as the city grapples with how best to safeguard all its inhabitants during the noisy, dazzling nights of Bonfire season.
