Council Leader Jane Meagher writes in the Evening News on the partnership working and planning to make sure that celebrations were remembered for all the right reasons.
This time last week, many of us across the city were looking forward to an evening of fireworks and fun with family and friends.
Most residents would be unaware of the months of planning with Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and our community partners to make sure that celebrations this year were remembered for all the right reasons.
Thankfully this year passed without major disorder, with the vast majority enjoying Bonfire Night safely and responsibly. I’m pleased that buses, and other services were able to run without disruption and that no police officers in Edinburgh were injured.
I was disappointed and sad to see a small number of isolated incidents in some parts of the city. I know that this will have alarmed residents in those neighbourhoods – I refuse to accept this kind of behaviour from a mindless few and I know that the Police are working to bring those responsible to justice.
Although we did see some negative behaviour, I’m pleased that positive engagement with young people as part of our preparation contributed to a peaceful evening overall.
As a former youth worker, I know all too well the benefits of working with and alongside young people and encouraging peer to peer engagement. It was fantastic to see video content made, and shared, by our young people highlighting the dangers of fireworks.
Once again this year, schools and local community groups provided events and activities in and out of school for young people. This includes Friday Night Live, an event for young people run by officers in our Sports Hubs and activities at youth clubs and libraries across the city - aimed at those at risk of getting into trouble.
Schools played a crucial role in helping to develop opportunities for young people and of course, work tirelessly to support them every day. This year, I was pleased to see our partnership work to highlight the dangers of antisocial behaviour, linked to the Knife Angel, which has left a legacy in raising awareness of violence and crime.
This year again there was a focus on enforcement - and as well as Police Scotland’s Dispersal Zones, our Firework Control Zones were in place across 14 areas of the city. We’ve listened and acted on feedback from communities who’ve told us that they want these measures to stop fireworks misuse – protecting our cities people and animals.
Organised fireworks events across the city offered a chance for families, friends and communities to celebrate and enjoy the excitement of the evening safely together – as I did with my own family.
I want to repeat my thanks to council teams, Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Lothian Buses, community organisations and our other partners for all their effort – and extend my thanks to our residents who played their part in keeping our city safe.