A further ban restricting the sale of fireworks is set to come into force weeks before Bonfire night.
From October 10, it will be a criminal offence for anyone to supply fireworks or other pyrotechnics to a child or person under the age of 18.
From the same date, attacks on emergency services workers using fireworks or pyrotechnics will become 'aggravating factors' that can be taken into account when sentencing offenders.
Read more: Rangers fan 'speechless' after surprise invite from Allan McGregor after kidney transplant
The new rules are part of an Act passed by the Scottish Government to enforce the safe use of fireworks. Under the legislation, there are now restrictions on the times that fireworks can be used, when they can be bought, and the quantity.
Currently, fireworks can only be used by the general public between 6pm and 11pm, with the exception of November 5 when they can be used until midnight. On Hogmanay, the night of Chinese New Year and the night of Diwali they can be used until 1am.
Further measures are also set to come into force in the near future including the introduction of a fireworks licensing system, with mandatory safety training, for people wishing to purchase and use fireworks, and introducing powers for local authorities to designate firework control zones.
Community Safety Minister Ash Regan said: “These important new powers have been delivered at pace and make it a criminal offence for anyone to supply fireworks or other pyrotechnic articles to a child or person under age 18.
“Fireworks in the wrong hands can cause serious, life-changing injuries or even prove lethal. Preventing their supply - in any way - to under 18s is a wholly welcome step which will bring greater public safety across Scotland.
“It’s also extremely important swift work has progressed which will see hard-working and brave 999 crews - who work tirelessly to keep us all safe - better protected.
“Any attack on fire, ambulance and police crews is utterly despicable so ensuring courts are required to take into consideration the use fireworks or pyrotechnics as a possible aggravating factor in any attack on 999 crews is a real deterrent to such vile behaviour.
“Work is now progressing to see other provisions set out in the ground-breaking legislation brought into force. These are essential steps which demonstrate our absolute commitment to improving the safety of communities across Scotland.”
Chief Inspector Nicola Robison from Police Scotland’s Partnerships, Preventions and Community Wellbeing Division, added: “Fireworks, when not used lawfully, present a significant risk to the public and so preventing such items from being purchased by, or for, anyone under the age of 18, is vitally important for keeping communities safe.
“Buying fireworks for underage youths can result in a £5,000 fine, six-months imprisonment, or both and our message is clear. Do not risk it. Help us prevent disorder, damage and violence over the Bonfire Night period.
“The new aggravator for attacks on emergency service workers is also a welcome legislative change and should give all frontline first responders additional reassurance that their safety and wellbeing is paramount as they go about their duties.”
READ NEXT -
Young Paisley man 'stabbed in neck multiple' times in Spanish holiday bar
Terrifying CCTV shows masked knifemen break into East Kilbride family home while they slept
Plans for publicly owned Glasgow bus service take 'crucial' first step
Glasgow MPs expenses - what your local representative has cost you
Glasgow NHS worker 'threatened to rip off workmate's beard' when someone used his cup
