Day: November 6, 2026

Inquiry to examine scale of group-based child sexual abuse announced

GROOMING GANGS IN SCOTLAND INVESTIGATION

An independent public inquiry will examine the scale, extent and prevalence of group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation in Scotland over the past three decades, Education Secretary Màiri McAllan has told Parliament.

The statutory inquiry, which will formally begin on 11 November, will provide recommendations to strengthen the protection of children. The Chair, Professor Alexis Jay, will report on specific aspects of the findings as they emerge.

Under the terms of reference, published yesterday, the inquiry will:

  • investigate Scotland’s response to group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation (CSAE), covering the period from 1 January 1996 to 11 November 2026
  • scrutinise any failures by responsible organisations, including any deliberate concealment, alongside actions to address such failures
  • explore the characteristics of perpetrators so risk factors can be better understood and stronger protections developed
  • identify what changes are needed to strengthen practice, policy and, where required, legislation to protect children
  • avoid unnecessary duplication of matters already examined elsewhere, including by the independent Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry.

The Education Secretary also confirmed that a pilot of the Truth Project will launch this month ahead of a national rollout next year, offering survivors the opportunity to share their experiences and contribute directly to the inquiry.

Ms McAllan said: “Sexual abuse and exploitation are among the most serious harms that can be inflicted on a child. Our responsibility is to ensure that children are protected, perpetrators are pursued and survivors are listened to, supported and believed.

“This inquiry will undertake a thorough examination of Scotland’s response to group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation. Its purpose is not only to understand what has happened, but to ensure it cannot happen again. To ensure accountability is strengthened, and that we do everything possible to better protect children and young people in the future.

“However, we are not waiting for the inquiry to conclude before acting – due to the pressing nature of the issue work is already underway to strengthen Scotland’s collective response to child sexual abuse and exploitation, including by accepting the recommendations from our National Review and providing additional funding for Police Scotland’s Operation Decerno.

“I want survivors to know that your voice will be heard. This inquiry will investigate what you went through, without fear or favour, and action will be taken as a result. And to those who would seek to perpetrate harm to our children in Scotland, I say directly that there will be nowhere to hide from justice.”

Professor Alexis Jay said: “I welcome today’s announcement of the Inquiry’s terms of reference. This marks the beginning of our work, and I am clear that the focus of the Inquiry will be on making practical recommendations that improve policy, practice and, where necessary, legislation to better protect children in Scotland.”

Jay Inquiry into group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation: Terms of Reference

Relief for communities as fewer major Bonfire Night incidents reported

The largest policing operation since the visit of President Trump has now concluded. Operation Amberlight saw specialist police resources support local policing teams across the country respond to Bonfire Night disorder, while also policing the Celtic vs Besiktas Europa League match and a potential protest in the East End of Glasgow.

In total, 1024 fireworks-related calls were received between 31 October and 5 November this year. While this is an increase from the 833 calls received in 2025, there has been reduction in the number of incidents requiring a specialist public order response across the country.

During the evening officers in Edinburgh responded to Oxgangs Road North at around 5pm after a group created a blockade in the road and set it alight.

Police in attendance were then targeted with fireworks and Operation Amberlight resources responded in support. The group made off from the area.

There were also incidents of police and public vehicles having fireworks thrown at them in the Gracemount and Gilmerton areas of the city.

Similar offences occurred in Clydebank around 6pm where there were reports of members of the public having had fireworks thrown at them. When officers attended, they were also targeted.

At around 7.55pm, police in Glasgow responded alongside the Scottish Ambulance service to a report of an injured male in Greenside Street.

During this time both crews were attacked with fireworks, resulting in a police vehicle being set alight and seriously damaged. One police officer and an ambulance staff member sustained minor injuries during this time.

Operation Amberlight specialist resources were deployed, and a 16-year-old male was arrested.

Following reports of a significant group of individuals gathering in the Kirkton area of Dundee and setting illegal fires, Operation Amberlight resources were made available to support local officers but were not required and subsequently stood down.

A proportionate policing response was also in place for the Celtic vs Besiktas Europa League match and this event also passed without serious incident.

There was no resource required in relation to information circulating online in relation to a planned protest in Glasgow.

Between 5.30pm and 11.30pm the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service received over 800 calls relating to fireworks and bonfires.

During this time there were also attacks on crews deployed to the Castlemilk and Knightswood areas of Glasgow, Cummnock in Ayrshire, Larkhall in South Lanarkshire, and Blackridge, West Lothian.

There were no injuries to fire service personnel and no serious damage to their appliances.

In Edinburgh 21 Dispersal Orders were issued, with 13 issued in Glasgow. No one was charged in relation to any breaches of Firework Control Zones.

In total, seven arrests were made during the evening of Thursday, 5 November and investigations into the offences that occurred across the country will now begin. Anyone with information is asked to come forward.

Chief Superintendent David Robertson, Gold Commander for Operation Amberlight said: “Our policing operation covering the Halloween and Bonfire Night has been one of the most complex and demanding deployments in recent memory involving the largest number of officers the visit of President Trump in 2025.

“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. Furthermore, the collaboration and readiness from our key partners to stand shoulder-to-shoulder alongside us during the planning and delivery of this operation has been exceptional.

“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. The behaviour we saw tonight resulted in an ambulance colleague sustain a minor injury and left one of our own vehicles badly damaged, meaning it is out of service for use within our communities.

“I want to make it clear that thorough investigations will now take place to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.

“Despite these challenges, however, I do want to recognise the outstanding support we’ve seen from the majority of the public, both in the run-up to Halloween and Bonfire Night and on the evenings themselves.

“It’s been heartening to see the positive level of community engagement and in many instances, this has led to vital intelligence, which helped seize significant quantities of fireworks before they could be used for criminal activity and to disrupt the activities of those planning to involve themselves in disorder.”