Holyrood Park will be closed tonight to vehicle traffic from 6pm to Midnight for Bonfire Night.
Historic Scotland Ranger’s, who care for the park, will also be carrying out joint patrols with Police Scotland officers throughout the evening to prevent wildfires starting in the park, which are commonly caused by fireworks during this time of year.
The park is one of Edinburgh’s most important historic attractions and wildlife havens, and is home to many species of plants and wildlife. They are often the first to be directly affected by fire, as well as the unseen damage caused to the underlying archaeology
Martin Gray, Historic Scotland Visitor Services Manager for Holyrood Park, said:
“Bonfire Night is an opportunity for people to have fun, but it is important that that is done safely. The park covers hundreds of acres, so it’s very difficult to supervise entirely, and if a firework does start a blaze the damage can be huge. This year we’ll once again be working with the police, fire service and the council to help reduce the risk to the park. If people want to see fireworks then we would encourage them to attend organised fire work displays, for their own safety and that of the environment around them.”
Meadowbank Stadium, which hosts Edinburgh's main fireworks display tonight, is adjacent to Holyrood Park's Northern perimeter.