A controversial north-east bonfire went ahead last night despite fears over its safety.
Organisers of the Gadle Braes bonfire, an annual event in Peterhead on November 5, set fire to a massive, 31-foot tower of scrap wood yesterday evening.
The bonfire had sparked concerns after the local authority announced that they had received reports of illegal dumping of waste at the site.
Aberdeenshire Council said they would be working with the police and the fire service to contain and manage any unauthorised activity on the night.
In the build up to the event, the local fire station manager, Bruce Milne, had urged people to attend organised displays. He said the fire service’s attendance at bonfires could remove vital resources in life-threatening situations.
Additionally, it had been reported that a gas canister had been placed inside the structure of a previous Gadle Braes bonfire.
But organiser Judy Alexander last night refuted those allegations and tried to diffuse concerns that the event was unsafe.
“It is absolute rubbish. It never happened. We certainly deny that there’s even been a gas bottle put in that fire,” she said.
She added: “It was absolutely fantastic and there was no issues at all. Absolutely none. Everybody enjoyed themselves and there was no complaints. It was a fantastic turnout again.
“With regards to safety issues, we do everything in our power. Nobody wants these kids getting hurt. Their safety is very important to us.
“We’ve got an area for fireworks, and we’ve got an area for the fire. Once that bonfire is lit, everybody is outwith the area. There’s no issues with the crowd, they’re kept well back from the bonfire and we have security.
“This is tradition, this isn’t just something that’s started. This has gone on from year to year. This bonfire is almost 100 years old, as far as I’m led to believe.”
A spokesman for the police said they had received no calls regarding the event.