Chinese lanterns tribute to NHS branded 'reckless'
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A PLAN to release Chinese sky lanterns this weekend as a tribute to frontline workers has been slammed by Scotland's farmers union.
NFU Scotland is calling for a complete ban following reports that a mass release of Chinese sky lanterns was being promoted by some manufacturers for this weekend with pledges to donate lantern sales cash to the NHS.
The union says the action would be reckless with all emergency services focused on the nation’s response to COVID-19 and Scotland’s wildfire risk set at extreme with most of the country tinder dry.
Highlands and Islands Conservative MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston has backed the NFUS condemnation.
The union urged the public to explore other ways to recognise the efforts of frontline health workers.
NFUS has long supported the permanent ban of sky lanterns, which are made of paper with a wire or wooden frame and contain a lighted candle, saying they can have devastating effects when they fall on farmland.
The union says the lanterns pose a serious fire risk to farm buildings, which may house hay and straw or other flammable products. They can be fatal for livestock as the frame material can get mixed up into feed, such as silage or grain.
The union is calling on emergency services, local authorities and politicians to support a ban.
NFUS president Andrew McCornick said: "It is unbelievable and totally unacceptable that companies are encouraging the public to demonstrate support for our hardworking frontline services by something that is at a high risk of increasing the burden on them.
"This must be stopped – and we call on all those we have written to to rally behind a call to have the release of Chinese lanterns banned."
Mr Halcro Johnston said today: "My region suffered from several devastating wildfires last year.
"Those fires burnt thousands of acres of moorland and, without the prompt intervention of the fire service, local farmers and gamekeepers, could have led to the destruction of many properties.
"We cannot risk a repetition of those fires which are made more likely by the fact that ground conditions are tinder-dry after a prolonged period of dry and windy weather.
"People planning to release Chinese lanterns must think again and find another way to show their appreciation of our frontline services; one which doesn’t risk starting fires, endangering lives and property, and which only puts pressure on our emergency services."
