Bonfire Night in Scotland: Police and ambulance crews targeted with fireworks in Glasgow and Edinburgh
Police Scotland mounted its biggest deployment since Donald Trump’s 2025 visit as officers and ambulance crews were targeted with fireworks, a police car was set on fire and seven people were arrested.
Seven people were arrested after emergency services and members of the public were targeted with fireworks during Bonfire Night disorder across Scotland.
A police vehicle was set alight and seriously damaged in Glasgow, while a police officer and a Scottish Ambulance Service worker sustained minor injuries during the night’s incidents.
The disorder came as Police Scotland mounted its largest deployment of officers since the visit of US President Donald Trump in 2025. The force brought in support from England and Wales as part of Operation Amberlight.
Police and ambulance crews were called to a report of an injured male in Greenside Street, Glasgow, shortly before 8pm. Both crews were then attacked with fireworks and the police vehicle was set on fire.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “During this time both crews were targeted with fireworks resulting in a police vehicle being set alight and seriously damaged. One of the ambulance staff sustained a minor injury.
“Operation Amberlight specialist resources were deployed, and one male has been arrested.
“Inquiries are ongoing and police maintain a presence in the area.”
In Edinburgh, firefighters had to withdraw while responding to bin fires in the south of the city because of anti-social behaviour. Police were also targeted with fireworks elsewhere in the capital.
Bins were knocked over and set alight on roads in Oxgangs and around Colinton Mains on Thursday evening, prompting a large police response. Residents reported groups of young people firing fireworks at emergency workers dealing with the incidents.
One resident, who did not want to be named, told the Press Association: “They’re setting fire in the park and shooting fireworks at the police and firemen.”
Police Scotland said officers were called to Oxgangs Road North at about 5.30pm following a report that a group of youths had blocked the road. Fireworks were set off towards officers, but no injuries were reported.
Elsewhere, fireworks were thrown at members of the public in Clydebank. Fire crews were attacked in Knightswood and Castlemilk in Glasgow, Cumnock in Ayrshire, Larkhall in South Lanarkshire, and Blackridge, West Lothian.
Officers also attended the Kirkton area of Dundee after reports that a significant group had gathered and was setting illegal fires.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said it received 1,172 calls between 5.30pm and 11.30pm on November 5 and attended more than 767 incidents, including 335 bonfires.
Police said that between Halloween and November 5 they have received 1024 fireworks-related calls. This was up on the 833 calls received in 2025, however police said there has been a reduction in the number of incidents requiring a specialist public order response across the country.
The Bonfire Night operation coincided with Celtic’s Europa League match against Besiktas and a possible protest in Glasgow. Officers from Avon and Somerset, Hampshire, Hertfordshire and South Wales were expected to support the operation.
Police said a “proportionate policing response” was put in place for the football match, which passed without serious incident. No resources were required for the possible protest.
Chief Superintendent David Robertson said: “While we have seen a rise in the overall number of calls relating to fireworks incidents between Halloween and Bonfire Night 2026, when compared to last year, I am encouraged by the reduction in serious incidents requiring us to mobilise specialist resources during this time.
“The communities of Scotland have overwhelmingly showed their commitment to enjoying both Halloween and Bonfire Night in the proper spirit.
“Nevertheless, we have seen, yet again, an unacceptable number of incidents where the police and our emergency service colleagues have been attacked with fireworks and other projectiles. This resulted in one of our officers and a colleague from the Scottish Ambulance Service sustaining minor injuries.
“This simply must stop. Police officers, ambulance staff and firefighters and there to protect communities – not the be the target of violence.
“I want to make it clear that thorough investigations will now take place to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.”