Kirkwall bonfire and firewoks set to go ahead

The annual bonfire and fireworks display, organised by the Rotary Club of Orkney on behalf of Kirkwall and St Ola Community Council, will take place on Saturday at the Peedie Sea.

The bonfire will be lit at approximately 7pm by Dr Tom Rendall, chairman of Kirkwall and St Ola Community Council and Jean Hargreaves — president of the local branch of the rotary club. Kirkwall City Pipe Band will play from 7pm and the firework display will start at 7.15pm.

Members of the public are also advised that some of the Peedie Sea path network and adjacent paths will be closed earlier on the Saturday to allow for the setting up of the display. Signs will be provided on the day. No dumping signs will also be erected at the site and no more material is required.

The community council would like to remind parents that they are responsible for their children and would also ask that spectators do not use the middle path at the Peedie Sea. Instead, the public are being asked to use Pickaquoy Road from either the Ayre Mills service station end or from the supermarket end, or the path at the supermarket end.

Please stay well back from cordoned off areas. In the event of an emergency, the public are asked to keep the path down to the bonfire clear for emergency vehicles.

The community council are also asking that no sparklers are brought to the display as they can be dangerous in crowded areas.

Finally, the public are being asked to leave dogs at home and ensure they and other household pets are comfortable. The noise of fireworks can disturb animals and it is important that pet-owners make appropriate provision for their pets at home when fireworks are exploding.

The community council hopes for a large turnout of spectators and for good weather on the evening. Rotary Club members and helpers will be on duty, selling the usual novelties and donations will also be gratefully received, as any profit from the event will be used in supporting local charities.