Brian Casey (39), of Lennoxtown, has been researching recent sightings and he believes that they have been caused by sky lanterns.

Brian came upon his discovery after seeing glowing red lights in the sky. He used his binoculars to get a better look and, on closer inspection, he said it was clear that the 'UFO' was one of the paper lanterns, which are traditionally used in Asian culture.

Brian, who is the student minister at St David's Memorial Park Church, in Kirkintilloch, said: "I was just wondering what the lights were as I had seen them quite a lot. I just happened to have my bino-culars handy and had a look.

"From a distance it looked like a red glowing square but when I looked at it close up it was actually lit underneath and the rest of it was not lit up. I did a bit of research and sky lanterns seemed to be the most plausible answer.

"I can understand why people were fooled by them.

"I'm quite pleased that I've found out the cause of the sightings in some ways, but it takes away some of the mystery from it."