The impressive visual impact of balloons being released into the sky may last a few minutes, but the impact upon the environment and wildlife can last many months, with potentially harmful consequences.
The release of balloons could be viewed as littering under the Environmental Protection Act, 1990, which makes it an offence to deposit litter in public places. It is the responsibility of the Local Authority to ensure that public places remain free from litter and as such, Highland Council is fulfilling its statutory duties through the development of a position statement on balloon release.
Both whole balloons and balloon pieces can cause problems for marine animals. It is believed that they mistake balloons for their natural prey e.g. jellyfish and squid. The effects of a seabird or marine animal swallowing a burst balloon, or becoming entangled in an attached ribbon, have been well documented by the Marine Conservation Society.
The Highland Council has a duty under The Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 to further the conservation of biodiversity.
The Highland Council has banned the release of balloons on Highland Council premises, by Highland Council staff or at events endorsed by the Highland Council. A position statement is outlined in the current documents section to the right of the page.