New regulations regarding fireworks and pyrotechnics could land county residents a £5,000 fine or a six months prison sentence, Police Scotland have confirmed.

The new law will see to tackle the proxy purchase and supply which sees adults sourcing and selling fireworks to minors.

From Monday, October 10 it is now an offence under the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act to buy or attempt to buy fireworks for anyone under the age of 18.

The new regulations will fall in line to similar laws already in place regarding the purchase of alcohol and tobacco for those underage.

Anyone in breach of the Act will be subject to a fine of £5,000, a six-month prison term, or both.

The plans come as part of Operation Moonbeam which was launched in 2018 to assist local policing after a significant rise in anti-social behaviour, providing public order officers should they be required.

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, gold commander for Operation Moonbeam, said: "It has already been an incredibly busy year for policing in Scotland and we are now preparing for one of our most demanding and challenging periods over the Bonfire Night weekend.

"Regardless of the pressures we have faced, planning for this time has not been hindered and we have a tried and tested deployment plan in place to support local divisions with all of the specialist resources they may require.

"A range of highly-trained Public Order Officers will be available to policing commanders across Scotland to enhance their resources and deal with any issues that arise, as well as to reassure communities that we remain committed to keeping them safe over Bonfire Night.

"We have been engaging with schools over the past few weeks to highlight the risks and consequences associated with the antisocial and criminal use of fireworks, and would ask parents and guardians of young people to do the same and help us keep communities safe.

"The introduction of the proxy-purchasing offence helps us limit the access young people have to fireworks and gives us more powers of enforcement for those who choose not to obey the law. Please do not risk the prospect of a fine, imprisonment, or both.

Part of Operation Moonbeam was also to protect emergency service workers that had become victims of anti-social behaviour.

He added: "The new aggravator for attacks on emergency service workers is a welcome addition to existing legislation and ensures those responsible receive the severest punishments for their action. The Chief Constable has repeatedly stated that violence and abuse are not part of the job of a police officer and we will treat any such attacks with the utmost seriousness.”