Sky lantern and mass balloon releases on Moray Council-owned land is banned

CROSS-PARTY support has been given to an SNP motion to ban the mass release of ballons and the release of sky lanterns from council-owned land.

A motion put forward by Graham Leadbitter (SNP, Elgin City South) was backed by Labour, Conservative and Green politicians at a full meeting of Moray Council on Wednesday.

The motion stated that the release of sky lanterns, as well as mass balloon releases, "will not be permitted at any event taking place on Moray Council-owned or managed land where this event has been approved through the council’s booking systems".

Bringing forward the motion, Cllr Leadbitter said: "The issue of sky lanterns and mass balloon releases has had a lot of media coverage in recent years.

"While there is a reducing number of people using sky lanterns and having mass balloon release, because a lot of people recognise the damage they can do, there are still instances of them.

"This sets an example and might make other people thing about having events of their own as well."

Councillor Neil Cameron (SNP, Heldon and Laich) added: "Sky lanterns might look pretty but they are a serious danger to the animals and the countryside.

"They may seem like a nice gesture but many people are likely unaware of the damage they can do.

"Lanterns pose a serious threat to animals, crops, property, industry and humans, too.

"While we fully support the need to celebrate, and the celebration of all cultures, there are environmentally-friendly alternatives."

Conservative councillor Marc Macrae (Fochabers) backed the motion – adding that he believed it should be expanded to include the release of "any pyrotechnic".

He asked: "I fully agree with the sentiment, but should this not be expanded to include the release of any form of pyrotechnic from council-controlled land?"

"For example, fireworks, which cause significant distress to animals, and can also cause fires and injury to people and property."