Strong weekend winds forced the cancellation of a popular community fireworks display in Moray in what was to have been a landmark year for the event.
The Portgordon pyrotechnics had to be postponed on Friday amidst concerns the blustery conditions would steer the fireworks of course.
A second attempt to stage the show was abandoned early on Saturday and organisers soon thereafter admitted defeat and announced it had been cancelled.
Gusts of 35mph winds at the coastal village led to debris from test-run fireworks being blown towards where spectators were due to stand, while hail showers also fell throughout the afternoon.
Hundreds of people attend the event every year at the harbour, while countless more watch on from nearby communities.
Organisers explained the decision to cancel was “very difficult” following three months of preparation for the colourful extravaganza.
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The call meant it was only the third time that the event has had been completely cancelled since its formation in 1993.
Kenny Gunn, a member of the organising committee, explained the group had given the display every chance to go ahead before making the decision to cancel.
However, Mr Gunn stressed that the organisers had a duty to make safety the priority.
He added: “When the tide turned after the high water we had hoped to experience a drop and change of wind.
“Sadly, when we tested one of our high velocity fireworks the debris was falling in the spectator zone, which was sufficient for our deflated crew to fully cancel.
“We have gone to a lot of expense to have a no-show event but after hearing about a fire incident last year and us having 24-year safety record we were not going to blot our record by letting one person have a firework injury.
“We were very sorry for those who had planned to attend either night to see our excellent fireworks.
“Sadly three months of stress came down to a very, very difficult decision.”
Organisers have confirmed that the event will return next year.
