Campaigners have called for a ban on sky lanterns being used as part of a show of support for key workers amid concerns about wildfire risks and injury to wildlife.
Another collective “clap for the NHS” is due to take place across the country tonight as people show their appreciation for health staff and other key industries.
However, concerns have been raised about lanterns being launched as part of the display with warnings already issued about grass in the north-east being “tinder dry”.
Last week Steve Truluck, from Hopeman, spotted a lantern over nearby Cummingstown with a hand-painted NHS logo and rainbow on the side.
Yesterday, the bird and sealife guide urged people to think about where the tributes may land before sending them into the sky.
He said: “The lantern caught my eye on the sky and I became quite angry. This part of the coast is bad for grass fires, the last couple of seasons have been really bad.
“I believe the people who made it would have done it with the best intentions but they can start fires or cause injury to animals – I’ve seen lots of pictures of animals, particularly birds, that have got trapped in these things.”
Farmers union NFU Scotland has long campaigned against the lanterns and has urged the public to use other methods to celebrate frontline workers while calling on emergency services, politicians and councils to support a complete ban.
President Andrew McCornick said: “The Wildfire Danger Assessment in Scotland for the coming days is extreme – land, buildings and property will also be placed at risk by these items and animal health will be compromised should they land on farms.”