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Orkney bonfire event cancelled over wildlife concerns

BBC Colourful fireworks against a dark night sky. A bonfire burns in the bottom left corner.BBC
Last year's event was scaled back with a smaller bonfire and quieter fireworks

A long-running community bonfire and fireworks display in Orkney has been cancelled after concerns about its impact on wildlife.

The Kirkwall Bonfire will not go ahead this November, following a decision at a community council meeting on Monday evening.

The event, which was organised by the Orkney Rotary Club, has taken place in November for the past three decades.

The move comes after concerns were raised about the impact on local wildlife during the event held at the Peedie Sea, a marshy loch on the edge of Kirkwall.

Kirkwall and St Ola community council said it explored all options to find a new venue and organiser for the event after the Orkney Rotary Club pulled out in March.

The Peedie Sea in the island's capital has a large array of birdlife and is popular with birdwatchers.

Getty Images A sea with grass and plants on the shore and houses overlooking the water. Large ships and boats are in the background.Getty Images
The Peedie Sea is popular with birdwatchers

Orkney Rotary Club's decision to step back after 30 years followed concerns that the noise and activity from the fireworks left local swans and other bird species visibly distressed.

Last year's event was scaled back with a smaller bonfire and quieter fireworks.

But campaign group Team Swan described the alterations as ineffective and the venue unsuitable, as the wildlife still seemed startled.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) also joined the call for its relocation.

The community council remains hopeful that a new event could take place in the future.