A Scottish council has become the latest to ban sky lanterns on its property and at its events to protect farmers and livestock.

It comes after NFU Scotland – which represents over 8,500 farmers and crofters across Scotland – wrote to Inverclyde Council asking for support to improve safety in the countryside.

Stephen McCabe, council leader, said: “The lanterns - which are also known as Chinese lanterns - can cause huge harm and damage both to the environment and to animals.

Read more: Aid worker 'to be first woman to run West Highland Way non-stop in winter'

"They can also put an unnecessary strain on the emergency services with people confusing them as distress flares or even UFO’s and calling 999.

"There is no doubt these lanterns can look spectacular and beautiful but that is easily outweighed by the potential damage they can cause.”

The lanterns have been traditionally made for centuries in Asia and around the world as part of festivities for hundreds of years.

Typically they are made from paper with a wire or wooden frame containing a lighted candle.

Allan Bowie, NFU Scotland President, said: “Whilst seemingly innocent as they are released they can pose a fire hazard to stacks of straw, woodland and farm buildings and amount to litter when they return to the ground.

Read more: Aid worker 'to be first woman to run West Highland Way non-stop in winter'

"If they land within livestock fields, or amongst crops grown for livestock feed, the wires risk being ingested by livestock and have been seen to cause great harm and suffering to animals.”

Eight councils have banned sky lanterns.