Restrictions have been introduced this year which intend to curb the excessive use of fireworks and encourage fireworks safety in Ayrshire.

New laws which came into force in June this year mean it is now illegal for the general public to set off fireworks before 6pm and after 11pm in the evening.

However there is an exception to the rule when it comes to bonfire night, with this time extended to midnight on November 5.

For Hogmanay, Chinese New Year and Diwali, the curfew will be extended to 1am.

Certain groups are also exempt from the regulations and may use fireworks between 7am and 6pm, such as community groups, operators of firework displays and their employees, and businesses involved in the supply of fireworks.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has underlined these new restrictions ahead of bonfire night, which is just under a fortnight away, and is highlighting the risks to communities from deliberate fire setting and attacks on crews as it enters its busiest time of year.

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald:

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer (DACO) Alasdair Perry, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Head of Prevention and Protection, said: “We have a zero-tolerance approach to deliberate fire setting and anti-social behaviour involving the misuse of fireworks and other projectiles.

"A deliberate fire can put property, resources and indeed lives at risk. We are working positively with young people and our partners to raise awareness of the very real dangers and consequences of such actions.”

The Service is also reminding people that 'it is safer, better for the environment and often less expensive to attend organised public firework displays.'

If this is not possible, they are asking individuals to consider the impact of fireworks on people and animals, particularly those with a sensory impairment and neurological differences such as autismparticularly as the noise and lights that fireworks emit may be overwhelming.

Anyone with information about any deliberate fire setting or attacks on emergency services staff can call Police Scotland on 101, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or report online to Fearless here.