Work continues to further reduce Bonfire Night disorder in 2026

Police Scotland has confirmed that the work continues as of today to protect communities from disorder during the 2026 Bonfire Night period.

As part of Operation Moonbeam 2025 more specialist resources than ever before were made available to local policing divisions and Public Order Officers worked alongside community policing teams across the country in responding to incidents that arose.

There were no incidents of serious disorder reported between 31 October and 4 November this year and during the Bonfire Night period, Police Scotland recorded an almost 37 per cent reduction in calls relating to fireworks offences, compared to the previous year.

Incidents of antisocial behaviour did occur during the evening of 5 November within parts of Glasgow, as well as the Sighthill area of Edinburgh, Clydebank and West Lothian, with other local officers also dealing with isolated incidents of minor criminality in other regions.

To date, three arrests have been made, and inquiries are ongoing into the offences that took place. Anyone with information is asked to come forward.

Following a review of all local policing and Moonbeam deployments on 6 November, there are two recorded incidents of officers sustaining minor injury and they will be provided with any support and assistance they require.

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam, said: “Having now spoken with local policing Commanders across Scotland, the overall sense is that this has been a much more peaceful and safe Bonfire Night period in comparison to the last few years.

“We have still experienced pockets of antisocial behaviour and criminality that has seen emergency service workers, members of the public and various buildings and vehicles targeted with fireworks. I want to again reiterate that these offences are totally unacceptable, and we will be investigating each incident to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.

“What has been most evident during our delivery of Operation Moonbeam, however, is the importance of community policing throughout all stages. I’ve been delighted to see how local officers across Scotland have worked tirelessly alongside key partners in education, youth services and third sector to identify potential causes for community tensions and collaborate on new ways to address these before they culminate in disorder.

“Our Chief Constable has outlined the need to ensure a continued investment in community policing to help keep Scotland a safe place to live, work and visit and the success of Operation Moonbeam reaffirms the significant benefits that can be brought when that investment is in place.”