By Salma El-Sakka
Seven people were arrested across Scotland on Bonfire Night as emergency services came under sustained attack from fireworks, with a police vehicle set ablaze in Glasgow and crews forced to withdraw in multiple cities.
Glasgow incidents
Police and an ambulance crew responding to a report of an injured man on Greenside Street were targeted with fireworks shortly before 8pm on Thursday. One officer and an ambulance staff member sustained minor injuries, and a police vehicle was set alight and seriously damaged. Specialist resources from Operation Amberlight were deployed and one male was arrested at the scene.
Edinburgh disorder
In the Oxgangs and Colinton Mains areas of Edinburgh, bins were knocked over and set on fire in the road. Groups of youths launched fireworks at police and firefighters attempting to control the fires. Officers reported fireworks being directed at them around 5.30pm, though no injuries were recorded.
Wider operation and other areas
Fire crews also faced attacks in Knightswood and Castlemilk in Glasgow, Cumnock in Ayrshire, Larkhall in South Lanarkshire, and Blackridge in West Lothian. Fireworks were thrown at members of the public in Clydebank. Police Scotland mounted its largest officer deployment since the 2025 visit of US President Donald Trump, drawing support from forces in England and Wales including Avon and Somerset, Hampshire, Hertfordshire and South Wales.
The operation coincided with a Celtic vs Besiktas Europa League match at Celtic Park, which passed without serious incident, and a possible protest in Glasgow that required no police resources.
