Sky lantern event cancelled after farming opposition

NFU Scotland has welcomed the cancellation of a mass release of Chinese lanterns near Lockerbie.

The Light Fest, run by US firm Viive Events, had been due to take place at Springkell Estate near Lockerbie on 11 August.

But following strong opposition from farmers and environmentalists over the debris and fire risk to livestock, crops and buildings created by the lanterns, organisers have said the event will not go ahead.

See also: Calls for England to adopt Welsh councils’ sky lantern ban

NFUS said the timing of the event was especially bad as it coincided with harvest and lanterns have been shown to start fires.

Teresa Dougall, NFUS regional manager for Dumfries and Galloway, said the decision would be “great relief” to farmers.

Campaign for a total ban

The union has been campaigning for an outright ban on the lanterns for several years and said it would continue to do so, supported by other UK farming unions. 

“While organisers of such events may point at insurance being in place, that is of little comfort,” she added. 

“By the time insurance is needed, the damage to property, crops, woodland or animal health has been done.”

In total, 18 out of Scotland’s 32 councils, including Dumfries and Galloway Council, announced a ban on the release of sky lanterns at all major events the council would host or sponsor. But that does not stop individuals releasing lanterns from private land.

‘Common-sense decision’

NFUS policy manager Penny Middleton said it was a “common-sense decision”, which should not require a campaign to achieve this result.

“Chinese lanterns can cause untold damage as there is no control over where these burning structures of paper, metal and wood decide to land,” she added.

“That means they present an unacceptable risk to animal health, property and farmland at any time of year.” 

Sky lanterns have been banned across all public land in Wales. And more than 50 councils in England, out of a total of 353, have already banned sky lanterns, according to data collated by the NFU.

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