Exceptions will be made at Hogmanay

There could also be a 120-decibel noise limit on fireworks sold to the public and a licensing system for retailers.

But the Scottish Executive and Department of Trade and Industry move would relax the 11pm-7am curfew at Hogmanay and Bonfire Night.

Scottish minister Andy Kerr said the executive was committed to tackling irresponsible firework usage.

Mr Kerr, the minister for public services, said: "The executive is committed to tackling the inappropriate and irresponsible use of fireworks.

Special occasions

"Their misuse can seriously affect the quality of people's lives and instead of bringing excitement they can often bring about fear and apprehension in the community.

"In a modern Scotland it is completely unacceptable that a small minority can cause distress to people and animals."

The regulations will become law under the Fireworks Act 2003 with Scottish ministers responsible for introducing the curfew on firework use.

It is proposed MSPs will make sure Diwali night and Chinese New Year are also exempt from the official cut-off time with local authorities allowed to grant other dispensations on special local occasions.

Further regulations would be introduced by the DTi to introduce a licensing system for firework suppliers.

These will build on regulations introduced in December to prohibit the possession of fireworks by under 18s and of powerful fireworks by the public in public places.