A LONG-RUNNING bonfire and fireworks display in Orkney has been cancelled following concerns about its impact on the local wildlife.
The Kirkwall Bonfire will not go ahead this November after the community council decided to cancel it at a meeting on Monday.
The popular community event, organised by the Orkney Rotary Club, has taken place every November for the last three decades.
Held at the Peedie Sea, a marshy loch on the edge of Kirkwall, the decision to scrap the display comes after concerns were raised about the impact on local wildlife.
The Peedie Sea has a large array of birdlife and is popular with birdwatchers.
Following Orkney Rotary Club’s decision to pull out of the event in March, Kirkwall and St Ola community council said it had explored all other options to find a new venue and organiser.
Orkney Rotary Club decided to step back from running the event after 30 years in charge due to concerns that the noise from the fireworks left local swans and other bird species visibly distressed, the BBC reported.
Last year's event was scaled back with a smaller bonfire along with quieter fireworks.
However, campaign group Team Swan reportedly described the alterations as ineffective, adding that the venue was unsuitable as the wildlife still seemed startled.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) also joined the call for the event to be relocated.
According to the BBC the community council remains hopeful that a new event could take place in the future.
