Jon Hebditch
Council chiefs have apologised after taking the decision to cancel Aberdeen’s fireworks display at the last minute, due to high winds triggering safety fears.
The authority announced at around 5pm on Saturday that the Guy Fawkes Night’s show had been called off, in response to “deteriorating weather conditions.”
And the council subsequently confirmed the popular event will not be rescheduled.
The council now has around £7,500 of unused fireworks which can be lit at another occasion.
But other fireworks shows across the north-east – including those in Banchory, Stonehaven, Newtonhill and Alford – went ahead as planned.
The Aberdeen fireworks had been organised at the city’s Beach Boulevard. Fire jugglers and a charity firewalk were to kick off at 7pm, followed by a 20-minute fireworks display set to music from 8pm.
A council spokeswoman said: “Unfortunately, due to the deteriorating weather conditions, Aberdeen City Council had to cancel the fireworks display at Aberdeen beach.
“We are extremely disappointed that this year’s display will not go ahead, but the public’s safety is our paramount concern.
“The fireworks display cannot be rescheduled to another date due to the cost and time required to organise this large event which attracts up to 12,000 spectators.
“The Events team at Aberdeen City Council began preparations and planning four months ago at the beginning of July.
“Many partners and agencies work closely to deliver this free event such as the emergency services, first aid, roads, park and ride, city wardens, event stewards, the fireworks provider, waste, toilets and catering provision as well as linking with local residents and businesses.”
Rosemount and Midstocket councillor Bill Cormie described the decision as a “huge disappointment”.
He said: “It’s always disappointing when big events that people have been looking forward to are cancelled.
“But I understand why the decision has been reached, because the health and safety of the public has to come first.
Finance convener, Willie Young, added: “We’re sorry for the disappointment, but we still have the fireworks which I’m sure will be put to good use in the future.”
A fireworks display in Edinburgh was also cancelled as was another event in Methlick.