A popular Moray fireworks event has been cancelled following a dispute between the organisers and licensing bosses.
Mulben Bonfire and Fireworks is a long-running community celebration which has wowed local people for more than 35 years.
However, the event has been cancelled this year amid a battle over an entertainment licence.
The fireworks night usually costs the committee between £2,500 and £3,000 to put on because of public liability insurance and the cost of the equipment needed.
For the first time since they started, the organisers have been informed that in addition to all of that, they need to purchase an entertainment license, which could cost them upwards of £367.
Because of that additional cost, the committee has been forced to cancel the whole event this year, causing widespread outrage to the locals who attend the display every year.
Brian Wright, one of the people behind it, was despondent about the news.
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He said: “This has been running for over 35 years with a small but dedicated band of volunteers, and there have never been any issues with it in previous years.
“It is so popular with not only locals but others from Moray and Aberdeenshire travelling to watch the display which it has been said is one of the best, if not the best in the area beating Forres and Elgin.
“In all the years we have been holding the event we have never had any issues or accidents.
“We as a committee do not know what will happen now this year as many are despondent regarding this issue.”
The organisers were quoted four different prices from the council to go ahead with the display, usually held on private ground by Innes McPherson at the House of Mulben which he owns.
A Moray Council spokesman explained that Scottish Government legislation meant the organisers needed to purchase a licence before the event.
He said: “Legislation introduced by Scottish Government in 2012 requires that all entertainment events are licensed.
“Police became aware of the Mulben display and alerted Moray Council, who then have to seek a licence application. Depending on numbers attending, the licence could be as little as £213, which would be valid for three years.
“Licensing exists to protect the public. If a licence is in place the event has been scrutinised by emergency services, environmental health and police.”