It’s Bonfire Night next Tuesday – the annual celebration of a failed attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament in November, 1605.
If Guy Fawkes and his co-conspirators had succeeded in detonating 36 kegs of gunpowder King James VI and the House of Lords would have been blown to smithereens.
The fateful day has been marked with fires and fireworks ever since – sometimes to the cost of humans and animals alike.
What do folk in Dalbeattie think about the event?
Teacher Gary Davidson, 35, believes there’s still a place for fireworks – but only if they are supervised.
“I have two kids – the eldest is three and the wee man is one.
“I would like them to experience a firework display in a safely controlled environment.
“But beyond that, coming from a family of animal lovers I don’t approve of them because of the upset they cause to the animals.”
Frances Wright-Johnson volunteers at the D&G Canine Rescue Centre in Dalbeattie. She said: “There are ways to help animals not to be upset.
“They have to have a place where they can feel safe and they can coorie into their own wee space.
“There should be organised displays so folk don’t have then out in the street.”
Birchtree Hotel bar manager Andrew McClelland, 34, also felt properly-run Guy Fawkes nights were the best option.
“I usually go to the one at Britts Park in Carlisle – it’s a huge event every year.
“There should be restricted sales of fireworks so as to avoid damage and injury.”
USA-born Sarah Schuckardt, 49, is currently minding the Pets Port shop in the town for a friend.
She said: “I have a cocker spaniel whois terrified of fireworks and will convulse until she vomits.
