A COUNCILLOR has proposed using the Common Good Fund to help pay for Bonfire Night celebrations at Glasgow Green. 

At the full council meeting on Thursday, September 12, cllr Jon Molyneux asked whether the option to use the money to "contribute to an annual civic fireworks display", as it is in other councils, could be explored. 

Cllr Annette Christie said funding the display, while possible "in theory", would put pressure on the Common Good Fund. 

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She said: "For some clarification, an independent review of Glasgow's winter events programme was undertaken during the pandemic and that included a review of all events, both civic and commercial, from Halloween right through to Celtic Connections. 

"As part of that insight, the Glasgow fireworks display was removed with funds channelled towards developing events across a wider period of time during the winter period in the city." 

She continued: "With regards to the cost of a fireworks display following the last event we held in the city in 2019, Police Scotland recommended a significant increase in safety and security measures and with also the significant inflation pressures facing both core infrastructure and pyrotechnics it's estimated that the cost of the Glasgow fireworks display would be in the region of £350,000."

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Cllr Molyneux highlighted that the council agreed earlier this year that Glasgow Life should be working to reinstate the public Bonfire Night event and said the Civic Hospitality Budget is underspent.

He said: "I appreciate the context about the review but there's also context that this council unanimously agreed earlier this year that Glasgow Life should be working to organise a public display at Glasgow Green and as noted the Common Good working group recently learned that several other Scottish councils use their Common Good Funds for this purpose as well as learning that the Civic Hospitality Budget is currently underspent.

"So does the convener agree that this could seem to create an opportunity to deliver the set wish of this council and reinstate a civic display on the 5th of November each year?"

Cllr Christie said she did not agree and believes "£350,000 would be better suited in my opinion going to the artists in this community to allow them to engage with our local community".

She said: "As you'll also be aware, the annual budget for the Common Good Fund was approved at the city administration committee in March of this year and that budget was approved at £798,000 so in theory yes the funding could be taken from the Common Good Fund but it's not something that personally I would find appropriate."

Following the meeting, cllr Molyneux said: "It is concerning that the SNP convenor says she has no intention of reinstating fireworks at Glasgow Green, despite that being exactly what she and all her colleagues voted for earlier this year.

"As well as being anti-democratic it also risks being out-of-touch, given the strength of public feeling on this and the strong support from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service."

We previously reported Glasgow Life has confirmed that Bonfire Night celebrations at Glasgow Green, which last took place in 2019, would not go ahead again this year. 

A spokesperson for Glasgow Life said the approach is more "environmentally friendly" and causes less disruption to local residents. 

They said: "There are no current plans for a fireworks show at Glasgow Green on November 5, 2024.

"This approach, which we took last year, is more environmentally friendly, reduces disruption to local residents and allows for investment in other events.

"Our focus is on delivering a full programme of festive entertainment which will bring visitors into the city across an extended period to enjoy Glasgow’s shopping, events and nightlife. 

"We will share details of Glasgow’s festive programme in the coming weeks."