Written Question · S7W-02673 · Session 7
further to the answer to question S7W-01961 by Jim Fairlie on 20 August 2026, which did not address the question posed, what consideration…
The question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S7W-01961 by Jim Fairlie on 20 August 2026, which did not address the question posed, what consideration it has given to introducing legislation to prohibit the sale, supply and release of sky lanterns and helium balloons, into the atmosphere.
The answer
At this time, the Scottish Government has no plans to bring in legislation to prevent the release of sky lanterns and helium balloons, as there is not currently enough evidence to support an outright ban. However, the Scottish Government is aware of the risk that their release can pose in terms of animal safety and fire risk and will therefore continue to monitor and consider all options available to us. We welcome engagement with stakeholders in order to ensure the best outcome, in particular, the release of sky lanterns as a consequence of the fires we have witnessed during the past two summer periods.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S7W-02673 by reference.