Cromarty Archive

Fireworks Display after torchlit procession

Date Added: 06 November 2007 Contributor: Colin Dunn Year: 2007 Picture No: 2037

Click on the 'Video' button below the picture to see a video of the fireworks. (Make sure you've put the dog out of the room, though - even in the movie these fireworks are loooooud ;)

13 Comments

Well Cromarty certainly did SPARKLE this night. This was by far the best firework display Cromarty has had that i have ever seen. Congratulations to all the organisers and a special mention to Gary and Ian for the fantastic job they did with the FIREWORKS. Comment left on 06 November 2007 at 22:48 by Ronald Young
Great photo Colin. I would have to agree with Ronald, definitely the best fireworks I've seen here! Well done to everyone involved - I very much enjoyed the soup and stovies after as well. As for the fireworks being too loud... I'm a fan so no complaints from me on that. Great to see such a good turnout for the procession as well. Comment left on 15 November 2007 at 17:24 by Kirsty Pryer
Have you got animals? Have you any idea what you are doing?

[Editor's note: Alan's comment is entirely valid, but one sentence was perhaps a little over-the-top, so I've removed that part.]
Comment left on 17 November 2007 at 02:34 by Alan Menzies
An interesting response from you there Alan. I would like to say that it is only once a year that we have fireworks in Cromarty, however every day we have dog owners who allow their animals to fowl the streets and greens of the village. As someone with neither children or animals, I know which occurence I prefer. Comment left on 18 November 2007 at 16:07 by Kirsty Pryer
Um. Whilst I understand the frustration behind Alan's comment, I don't think the tone was very helpful.

Like many dog owners (the majority of which in Cromarty do use poop scoopers), I dread the coming of Bonfire Night, as I know it means terrified pets for two weeks of fireworks in the evenings before hand, and the final huge climax on the 5th. Then there is a similar period over Hogmanay.

As a pet owner (I have two cats too), I've found the only solution that sort of works is to seek chemical help from the vet every year - essentially the dog is stoned for a week or so every November.

My vet says that, as fireworks have become much louder over the last 10 years, they have a big rush every October for pet sedatives. Nationally, there are literally tens of thousands of pets around the country in pure fear at this time - ask Pete Clunas, his dog literally has terror fits. Goodness knows how the wildlife copes.

Many people (including quite a lot of children) are also unable to enjoy the fireworks due to the extreme volume of noise, and it seems a pity to exclude them simply because of this. Lots simply stay away.

However, there is another solution. Most reputable fireworks companies now produce what are called low noise fireworks. They provide the same spectacular visual display, but with less concussive explosions.

I love watching fireworks, but could relax and enjoy this more knowing that my sedated, but still scared dog, wasn't hyperventilating under the kitchen table.
Comment left on 19 November 2007 at 12:02 by Colin
I Have Two children. One who is 3 yrs old the other who is only 6 months and both of them enjoyed the firework display this year including the loud bangs. I also have an 8 yr old German Shepard and although he is affraid of the loud bangs I still would say what's a firework without a bang. As Kirsty says it's only once a year lets not spoil this mad world by taking another fun aspect out of life.
Comment left on 19 November 2007 at 23:10 by Ronald Young
I am utterly amazed at the comment left by Alan. If one firework display once a year is that difficult for you to live with then you might want to consider moving out into the country where you can have all the peace and quiet you want. There is very little joy and tradition left in this political-correctness-gone-mad world of ours and what is left should be embraced and enjoyed by all and comments like those are just disgraceful Comment left on 20 November 2007 at 03:36 by L
Ronald - The problem is that this may be fun for those that enjoy it, but definitely NOT fun for those who don't - or their pets. By compromising on slightly quieter explosions (but still louder than those common 10 years ago), everyone will be able to enjoy it - surely that's better?

Cromarty has shown tremendous community attitude this year in all of the myriad events put on (despite the weather), and the best thing is that everyone has been able to join in and have fun. Let's make Bonfire Night even better and more fun by making sure that it appeals to all - not just those with a preference for loud bangs.
Comment left on 20 November 2007 at 09:22 by Colin
Sorry Ed, for the late Saturday night comment. I know a majority will think I am a spoilsport. Far from it. I used to like firework displays untill I got my third dog who gets so distressed and started me thinking about all the wild animals, birds and farm animals. I know there is a compromise allied to a visit to the vet for domestic pets which is fine for an organized annual event but it is somewhat impractical for up to a month of unregulated setting off of fireworks to sedate a pet. Dogs, and many other animals, by the way, have hearing five times as acute as ours. Oh, and Kirsty, Dougal (my dog), for some reason or other very faithfully only does his business in my garden. Comment left on 20 November 2007 at 22:45 by Alan Menzies
I can understand & sympathise with the concerns raised by all those pet lovers. Although I don't have pets currently, I HAVE had two cats whilst living in Cromarty, and it was not their favourite night by far.. And I have seen how dogs can be severely affected. For me though, the big bangs and whistles are an integral part of this ONE night a year, and I believe that without this, you would get a lot more bangs and whistles going off throughout the night, as people would leave the main display and organise their own thing. Having said that, it is unlikely that the display will be as intense next year, as the budget will probably be less and I twisted the arm of a fireworks supplier I have gotten to know :)Eh? what's that you say in response? Can't hear - something must have affected my hearing. :) Best wishes, Garry Comment left on 26 November 2007 at 10:03 by Garry Stuart-Martin
Garry - good point. And, petrified pooch aside, excellent job on the day. Comment left on 27 November 2007 at 15:30 by Colin
I read a couple of coments for and against fireworks and feel there are genuinely 2 sides to this argument. I on one hand have a staffy called Dennis who is petrified of all bangs whether this be a firework, shotgun, balloon popping or even a cap gun. We have to unfortunately do our yearly routine to the vets for his sedative to calm him around Bonfire Night This is not good news for pets, but neither are so many things in life so surely an organised display where everyone knows what is happening is not the fireworks to complain about, whereas youths and fools setting them off here there and anywhere at all unsociable hours is.

Can I also say that all fireworks that have been legally sold in the UK for the past couple of years have to meet regulations that they do not surpass the maximum 120 decibels. Can I also add that as from March 2008 fireworks cannot be imported that contain more than 20% black powder(this is what generally creates the power and noise) retailers have until March 2010 to sell out of old composition stock containing more powder, so over the next couple of years fireworks will be getting more effects and less bang, which in one way I think is a good thing but in another a firework display needs some bangs and the finale needs lots of them!

I will finish by saying there is nothing like fireworks - they are mesmerising to watch they are true artistry in the sky and I personally LOVE THEM ! (sorry Dennis) Thanks for reading - Nigel Turver owner of Galactic Fireworks supplier to Cromarty School
Comment left on 28 November 2007 at 13:44 by Nigel B Turver
Hey Nigel. Good to hear from you :) In my opinion he supplies the best fireworks around, which I have bought over the last 8 years! Thanks for the comments Colin - love the footage, as I didn't see much trying to avoid being hit - it was a joint effort and thanks to Ian, John, Andy & Martin who all helped set up and Ian for being crazy enough to help me light them! And even though it is not a nice time for pets, this year was pretty fantastic from start to finish. Someone needs to come up with a magic invention for pets that doesn't involve scaring the wits out of them, or leave them in a zombie like state.... Can't think of one, but if someone can they could be on to a real money earner. Comment left on 29 November 2007 at 08:28 by Garry
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