Dear Parents/Guardians
In the run up to bonfire season, Police Scotland, City of Edinburgh Council and Scottish Fire & Rescue are keen to keep everyone safe during the festivities. In previous years we have seen firework-related anti-social behaviour (ASB) and disorder in this area, and we are asking for your help to prevent this occurring again. Continue reading Bonfire Season: Advice to local parents
On the 5th of November, celebrations and fireworks displays will take place across Scotland and Dr Laura Ryan, Medical Director at NHS 24, is asking members of the public to put safety first. Continue reading NHS 24 urges the public to stay safe this Bonfire night
As Bonfire Night approaches, the Scottish SPCA is urging locals in Edinburgh and the Lothians to consider the impact of fireworks on the welfare of animals. Continue reading Scottish SPCA issue annual fireworks warning ahead of bonfire season
“The firework headed straight for Ben and went into his shirt which then caught alight”
AN ex-nurse has relived the horror moment her son was left scarred for life after being badly injured by a rogue firework on Bonfire Night.
Amy McCabe was working at Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for Sick Children when she received a frantic call saying four-year-old Ben had suffered third degree burns.
The auxiliary nurse immediately dashed along corridors to the hospital’s A&E department so that she could meet the ambulance when it arrived.
And she remained with her son throughout the next three weeks as he underwent painful skin grafts across his neck and chest before being finally released.
Amy paid tribute to Ben as he issues a stark safety warning ahead of this Bonfire season.
She spoke out as the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service launches its bonfire safety campaign – urging communities to attend organised displays.
She said: “I am so very proud of my son – he is so much braver than me … and anyone I know.”
Her world crumbled when she received the telephone call from husband Alan on November 5, 2011 just moments after reporting for duty at the hospital in the city’s Yorkhill.
Alan and Ben had been enjoying the fireworks from the safety of their cul-de-sac when the stray firework struck.
Amy recalled: “The firework headed straight for Ben and went into his shirt which then caught alight. He was screaming so loud and no one could believe what had just happened.
“Alan put him into a cold bath until the ambulance came – there was nothing left of his shirt.”
Amy, who was an experienced nurse, told how she battled to maintain her composure after hanging up the phone and dashing through the hospital to meet the ambulance carrying her son.
Her son was left drifting in an out of consciousness after suffering the nine per cent full thickness third degree burns across his neck and chest.
Amy said: “I know what it’s like being on the other side and what to look for … but as a parent it was killing me inside seeing him like that. I had to try and keep calm for the family – and for Ben.
“He was in hospital for 21 days and still needs skin grafts and massages four times a day to keep the skin’s elasticity and that can be really hard going.”
Ben is now comfortable with his physical scars – but the emotional scars still run deep.
In a heart-breaking admission, the inspirational youngster said: “Last bonfire night I managed to make it to the door to look outside but I’m still very scared of them. I usually sit in my room and pretend it’s just another day.”
And Ben, now aged 11, reached out to others to stay safe around fireworks.
He said: “I want people to think about the consequences of setting off these fireworks and how easy it is for something to go wrong – when you don’t know what to do.”
Amy, now a dental technician, tells how she draws strength from her son.
The proud mum said: “I was worried about what people would say when they saw his scars and how he would react.
“There was an incident at the swimming pool when he had his pressure garment on and some boys were staring at him and shouting stuff to him.
“I was looking around for their parents and at the same time worrying what this would do to Ben.
“He came over to me and said ‘Mum can you take the garment off’ – so I did.
“He put his chin up and walked past these boys bearing his scars with this presence that made my heart skip a beat of proudness – he is so much braver than me.”
Amy got in touch with dedicated support group, The Scottish Burned Children’s Club, and the assistance she has been given has been life changing for the whole family.
She said: “Ben is so much more confident and determined and wants to help others. He has an amazing network of friends through the club and I can’t describe how much it has helped him.
“For myself it has been a God-send to meet other families with similar stories – to know you are not on your own and that you are actually doing ok.
“It’s like a new family and a forever connection that no one else can understand.
“You can’t buy the support.”
John Miller is the Deputy Assistant Chief Officer for Prevention and Protection. He said: “Bonfire Night is typically the service’s busiest night of the year.
“We are appealing to the public to attend organised events rather than do-it-yourself bonfires and fireworks displays.
“Our firefighters work extremely hard to engage with people of all ages and equip them with the knowledge and the awareness of how to stay safe around bonfires and fireworks.”
For advice on how to stay safe during Bonfire Night, visit – /your-safety/bonfire-safety.aspx and on fireworks safety visit – /your-safety/fireworks-safety.aspx
Four dispersal zones are being set up in Edinburgh to combat anti-social behaviour and disorder over the Bonfire weekend. Continue reading North Edinburgh dispersal zone set for fireworks period
Police Scotland is devoting a range of specialist resources to assist local policing teams during the week of Halloween and Bonfire Night. Continue reading Specialist support to assist local policing for Bonfire Night
More than eight in ten (83%) dog owners in Edinburgh have revealed their pets are distressed by loud noises – and a quarter (25%) have even had to SEDATE their dogs to calm them down. Continue reading Edinburgh dog owners urged to train pets for Halloween and Bonfire Night
Minister for Community Safety Ash Denham has urged people across Scotland to enjoy organised fireworks safely and responsibly this November 5th, stressing that anyone who puts lives in danger faces robust action.
The call follows a number of incidents last year where Police Scotland officers and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) crew members were injured by projectile fireworks.
The Scottish Government has been working in partnership with Police Scotland, the SFRS and the two HM Inspectorates to ensure that services are well prepared for this year’s celebrations and can respond robustly to any anti-social behaviour.
Ms Denham was in North Edinburgh this morning to discuss on-going preparations with local community partnership members who have been working to promote the safe and responsible use of fireworks.
Ms Denham also met police officers and fire crew staff who have previously experienced unacceptable abuse on or around Bonfire Night.
Speaking after the visit to Royston Wardieburn Community Centre, Ms Denham (above) said: “Bonfire Night is an opportunity for local communities to come together and for families to enjoy fireworks responsibly and I would encourage people to attend officially organised displays where fireworks are controlled in a safe environment.
“The safety of the public is paramount and we need to ensure a selfish minority do not spoil the celebrations for others. The use of fireworks as a means of inflicting injury on individuals, including members of our emergency services, is completely unacceptable and illegal. Robust action will be taken against anyone who puts lives at risk.
“I was pleased to have the opportunity to hear first-hand from officers and firefighters about their experiences of dealing with abuse and anti-social behaviour on what is one of the busiest nights of the year for our blue-light services. I would urge members of the public to report any criminal or anti-social behaviour to Police Scotland or their local council, or otherwise through Crimestoppers or their neighbourhood watch.”
Lewis Ramsay, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Director of Response and Resilience, said: “These firefighters are your father, mother, brother or sister – someone’s family. It is beggars belief when I hear that they have either been physically assaulted or verbally abused when trying to assist their communities.
“This type of behaviour not only prevents our crews from bringing any emergency to a safe and swift conclusion but it can impact on our emergency service colleagues including the police when they have to escort us at the scene.
“But be left in absolutely no doubt that it is often down to a very small minority of individuals within those communities. In the run-up to bonfire night I would ask communities to watch our social media channels and website as we launch our #DoNotAttackMe campaign – this will shine a spotlight on the impact these attacks can have on our people behind the uniform, and our response to emergencies.
“Once again, violence against our crews will not be tolerated – our firefighters absolutely do not deserve to be met with such behaviour.”
Assistant Chief Constable Paul Anderson, Police Scotland, said: “For the vast majority of people, last year’s Bonfire Night was either spent at home, or enjoying an appropriately organised fireworks display. However, a small group of individuals were responsible for localised incidents of disorder, which included the targetting of emergency services personnel. Such behaviour is unacceptable.
“To assist our divisions, a range of specialist resources will be at their disposal to deal with any incidents which arise and officers across the country are continuing to liaise with relevant partners. We are working with our communities and we want people to enjoy themselves over this period but we will take positive action against anyone participating in disorder and antisocial behaviour.”
The Scottish Government has been working with Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service, as well as the related Inspectorates HMICS and HMFSI, to review any change in trends and any further work that can be progressed to address antisocial behaviour on Bonfire Night.
This review is available online – Bonfire Night 2017: briefing paper
Bonfire Night safety advice is available on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website.
Bonfire night in Scotland – 9 quick tips from Police Scotland.
Festival to return to Leith
The Edinburgh International Festival has unveiled its 2018 programme, which will welcome 2,750 artists from 31 nations to perform in Scotland’s capital city.
Continue reading Edinburgh International Festival programme launched
Scotland was once again marred by a number of attacks on firefighters in various locations across the country last night. Crews were faced with missiles and fireworks being thrown at them on a reported 11 occasions as they worked tirelessly to keep people safe on Bonfire Night.
Continue reading Attacks on firefighters blight Guy Fawkes celebrations
