Chinese lantern releases could be banned from Perth and Kinross Council property in a bid to protect the environment.
The local authority has proposed a formal policy on the mass release of the lights, or of latex balloons, to bring it into line with other councils across the UK.
If approved, the move would prevent anyone from releasing the lanterns in areas such as the North and South Inches.
They would also be banned at any event endorsed or supported by the council, even those on land it did not own.
A report to be considered at a meeting of the environment committee on Wednesday sets out the hazards posed by the helium balloons and Chinese lanterns.
It states that the danger to wildlife, livestock and humans can be considerable and 24 local authorities in the UK now have balloon and lantern policies in place.
A latex balloon can rise to a height of five miles but, once it has fallen back to earth, it can take six months to decompose, during which time animals can become entangled or choke on it.
Chinese lanterns pose a similar choking threat, as well as a fire risk, and have been known to cause false call-outs to the coastguard, putting lives at risk.
Environment committee convener Alan Grant said: “Although balloons and lanterns may create a visual spectacle, we can’t condone the risk of littering and danger to the environment that they pose.
“Often organisers of events with mass releases of balloons or lanterns are unaware of the environmental consequences.
“There are many alternative options for entertainment that can be considered instead, from lantern decorating to creating balloon displays and tying them securely to the ground.”
Derek Robertson, the chief executive of Keep Scotland Beautiful, welcomed the proposals, saying: “We are opposed to balloon and flying lantern releases. This applies to both mylar and latex balloons, to all types of flying lantern produced, and to large or small events.
“Keep Scotland Beautiful supports a voluntary ban and encourages more environmentally-friendly options, such as balloon popping or decorating in inside spaces at events.”