Bonfire Night is expected to be different in Scotland once again this year, with Covid-19 restrictions leading to a number of firework displays being cancelled.

Officials are urging Scots thinking of hosting their own private events to ‘think again’ this year, with some supermarkets banning the sale of fireworks.

Sainsbury's has announced that it has banned the sale of fireworks in UK stores while ASDA has launched a range of low noise pyrotechnics.

We asked readers from across the west of Scotland whether they think there should be a total ban on fireworks sold in all supermarkets and shops.

Clydebank

In Clydebank, Joyce Mclean said: "Yes, in my day fireworks were Catherine wheels, Roman candles and a few rockets and sparklers. Now they sound like a bomb has gone off."

John Team agreed, writing: "Definitely, no need to celebrate something that was more the 300 years ago. Time to move on and stop being cruel to animals."

Karen Cathro added: "Definitely, too many idiots letting them off at stupid o'clock and for no reason. It's getting beyond a joke now."

Some thought differently, with reader Anne Rae commenting: "No. I understand the hatred of them but if you think banning them from supermarkets is going to stop people from getting them, then that is silly. People always find a way to get them."

Dumbarton

In Dumbarton and the Vale of Leven, Ann Maciver believes only official events should be allowed to go ahead. She said: "Yes, there should be licensed displays so there are safety measures in place and at a certain time.

"If people don't like them or have animals, they know when they are and can take appropriate care. It seems to be every night even when it's not dark that they go off leading up to Bonfire Night."

Maureen Murray agreed, adding: "Definitely yes. Too many injuries are caused by fireworks. Also the stress they cause to people with disabilities, PTSD and also animals. Ban them."

Emma Elizabeth Simpson said: "Yes, far too many idiotic kids being injured each year or killing animals as they think it’s acceptable to tie the poor things to them. Should have been banned long before now!"

Meanwhile, Lilly Nicholson believes only low noise fireworks should be sold. She said: "Yes, to a certain extent. Only sell the silent ones. That way, wildlife, pets and elderly people aren't getting heart attacks over them and the kids still get fun."

Helensburgh

In Helensburgh, Donna Campbell agreed that fireworks should be banned in shops and supermarkets. She said: "Fireworks should not be available for the public to obtain. End of the day, they're explosives, and there are far too many fools out there who don't act responsibly with or around them."

Vicki Donnachie agreed, adding: "Yes definitely, there are too many injuries to people not to mention the distress it causes so many animals."

Charlene Docherty says she will only be buying quiet fireworks. She commented: "Supermarkets are now bringing out low noise or no noise fireworks.

"Unfortunately, the Helensburgh display, which brought many people to Helensburgh from surrounding communities has now been cancelled for the second year running.

"I love taking my kids to the display because it's from a distance and there isn't much noise. My daughter has sensory issues and my grandson is petrified of the noise. I WILL be buying the low noise ones this year to set off for my kids and grandkids.

"Children have missed out on so much over the past two years so why should we be taking the enjoyment from them? I have PTSD and animals that are also scared are even more reason to buy the noise-free ones. If people are using them responsibly they shouldn't be stopped. 

"What needs to stop is the underage selling of fireworks, and adults buying them for children. Put the age limit up, and stop selling the loud ones. They should only be sold the day before or the day of Guy Fawkes Night to stop people setting them off from October all the way into December/January."