The Council Leader has thanked residents and partners for their efforts in keeping communities safe during Bonfire Night celebrations:
Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “While it’s encouraging to see that Bonfire Night was broadly a peaceful evening across the city, I was angry and disappointed to see isolated incidents of disorder, with a small minority seemingly intent on causing fear and alarm in our communities.
“We cannot and must not accept this type of mindless behaviour, in particular the targeting of our emergency services, and I hope those responsible are caught and brought to justice as soon as possible.
“For all that, I’m pleased that the majority of our residents were able to enjoy the celebrations in the way we would expect – with friends and loved ones at community-led displays – and that bus services were able to run as normal.
“Months of planning and close partnership working have gone into preparing for this period, and I’d like to thank our council teams, Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Lothian Buses, community organisations and our other partners for all their efforts.
“Our approach has focused on prevention as well as enforcement, from Firework Control Zones to engaging with young people and providing positive alternative activities. The organised events across the city also went well, offering families and communities the opportunity to come together. I’m grateful to everyone who has played their part in making these efforts count.
“I’d like to reiterate my thanks to residents for acting responsibly, looking out for one another and helping to keep their neighbourhoods safe – and hope that they will remember Bonfire Night for all the right reasons.”
A 39-year-old man has been arrested and charged after a large quantity of fireworks, with a retail value of more than £5000, was seized in Edinburgh.
Around 9.30pm on Wednesday, 4 November, officers acting on intelligence stopped a van on London Road.
Following a search, 200kgs of fireworks were recovered with some capable of firing 555 individual rockets.
The 39-year-old was arrested and charged in connection with possession of fireworks in a public place and is due to appear in court at a later date.
Chief Superintendent David Robertson said: “It is an offence to buy, possess, or use fireworks without a valid licence and anyone caught doing so may face fines, seizure of items and potential prosecution.
“There was huge potential for these fireworks to be distributed around the city for the purposes of causing disorder. The misuse of fireworks presents a significant risk to the public and emergency personnel, and can result in serious injury, fires and damage to properties.
“Officers will continue to carry out enquiries in the Edinburgh area to detect and disrupt the illegal sale or use of fireworks, and we remain committed to working with partner agencies to ensure everyone’s safety.
“We rely on intelligence from the local communities, and anyone with information about planned disorder or concerns about fireworks is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101.”
Police have seized more than a quarter of a ton of fireworks in what’s believed to be one of the largest recoveries in Scotland.
On Tuesday, 3 November, officers executed a warrant at an address in Penilee, Glasgow following intelligence received from the local community.
As a result, 350kg of fireworks, with a total retail value of £12,000 were recovered within. Some of the fireworks seized has the capacity to fire 600 individual rockets.
These fireworks were due to be sold online leading up to Bonfire Night.
Local Area Commander Chief Inspector William Campbell said: “This significant seizure is as a result of effective community policing and local intelligence.
“There was potential for these to be used to commit disorder in the coming days and taking them off the streets has potentially stopped the public and emergency service personnel being targeted by them.
“Prevention is a huge part of the work we do to help maintain public safety, protecting property and minimise antisocial behaviour ahead of Bonfire Night.”
A report will be submitted to the Procurators Fiscal.
Two male youths charged after fireworks thrown in Bonnyrigg
Two male youths have been charged after fireworks were thrown at High Street in Bonnyrigg, around 7.50pm on Saturday, 31 October, 2026.
The teenagers were traced and charged with culpable and reckless conduct. Enquiries continue to trace others involved.
Chief Inspector Gordon Couper said: “Young people are entitled to enjoy themselves, however any dangerous and reckless behaviour will not be tolerated.
“We are continuing to engage with young people ahead of Bonfire Night about the consequences of this type of behaviour. We urge parents and guardians to support our efforts and ensure they are aware of their children’s activities and movements.
“Patrols continue in the area and we would encourage members of the public to continue to report any incidents to us on 101, or 999 in an emergency.
“Your assistance remains vital in helping us protect our local communities.”
Police Scotland has thanked communities across the country for making sure Halloween 2026 passed without serious incident.
In total 144 calls relating to fireworks were received on Saturday, 31 October, compared to 160 during 2025 – a reduction of 10 per cent.
Specialist officers were on hand to support local policing teams during their attendance at various reports of antisocial behaviour during the evening, however, there were no offences arising that required a specific public order response.
In Tranent, Bonnyrigg and Glasgow there were reports of fireworks being lit in the street and some were thrown at members of the public. Inquiries to identify those involved are ongoing.
Officers in Edinburgh also responded to a report of a disturbance at a house party in the Ratho area of the city. This incident was not related to the criminal or antisocial use of fireworks.
There were no reports of officers involved in tonight’s operation having been injured.
Seven Dispersal Orders were issued in Edinburgh. There were no charges for breaches of Firework Control Zones.
Chief Superintendent David Robertson, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam, said: “The overwhelming majority of Scotland’s communities have celebrated Halloween in the proper spirit and I’m really grateful for the support of our efforts tonight to deter criminality, respond to reports of disorder and protect the public and emergency services from harm.
“Sadly, however, we have again experienced incidents of fireworks used as projectiles at buildings, vehicles and members of the public.
“I will say again, this type of behaviour is completely unacceptable and has to stop before there are serious consequences.
“Investigations into these offences will be launched immediately to identify those responsible and bring them to justice, but I want to recognise and celebrate the outstanding behaviour and co-operation most of those within our communities have demonstrated tonight.
“Moonbeam resources will continue to support local policing teams all over the country throughout the next week wherever they are required and whenever reports of fireworks-related crime are received, we will respond swiftly and proportionately.”
Following a successful approach last year, when events passed without serious incident, the Council is stepping up preparations to help ensure this year’s fireworks season is safe and enjoyable.
The Council is encouraging everyone to plan ahead, follow firework safety advice and attend an organised fireworks display wherever possible. Organised events provide an opportunity to enjoy the excitement of Bonfire Night while reducing the risks associated with fireworks being set off in streets and residential areas.
Firework Control Zones will be in place across 14 areas of the city from 30 October to 8 November, prohibiting the use of fireworks within designated zones, including on private property.
These zones are designed to address concerns about the dangerous misuse of fireworks and to protect vulnerable people, animals, and the environment.
These measures will be supported by Police Scotland’s Dispersal Zones and other enforcement activity, forming part of a coordinated approach to preventing disorder and protecting the public.
Working with schools, Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, the Council has been supporting education throughout the year to help young people understand the risks associated with fireworks and make safer choices. Funding for youth programmes and alternative activities will also provide positive opportunities for young people to spend time together.
Council teams and community volunteers are also taking practical steps to reduce risks in neighbourhoods. This includes clearing hazardous materials, tackling fly-tipping, checking known hotspots and coordinating CCTV to help prevent items being used to start dangerous fires.
Residents are also being asked to consider neighbours who may be particularly vulnerable to loud noise and to report dangerous or anti-social behaviour to Police Scotland.
Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “Bonfire Night should be a chance for families and communities to come together and enjoy a much-loved tradition. Residents should be able to feel safe in their neighbourhoods, knowing that everything possible is being done to reduce the risks associated with fireworks season.
L”ast year showed what can be achieved when the Council, Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and our community partners work together. We saw a real difference, with events passing without serious incident, and we want to build on that progress this year.
“We know that most people want to celebrate responsibly. However, the dangerous actions of a minority can put lives at risk, disrupt local services and cause real distress to residents. We will not allow that behaviour to spoil Bonfire Night for our communities.
“Preparations are well underway, from Firework Control Zones and targeted enforcement to education, youth activities and practical work to tackle hazards in our neighbourhoods. We are doing everything we can to help keep Edinburgh safe, and we’re asking residents to play their part too.
“We all have a role to play in keeping our communities safe. Please think about the impact your actions can have on others, follow the safety advice, and report dangerous behaviour when you see it.
“By working together, we can build on last year’s progress and help make Bonfire Night a positive occasion for the whole city.
Chief Superintendent Helen Harrision, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh, said:As we approach the 5 November, we are working closely with partners to ensure Edinburgh’s communities remain safe.“
“Our priority is to make sure that residents can enjoy the Halloween and Bonfire Night period, whilst robustly tackling the minority of those who choose to engage in dangerous, disruptive, or antisocial behaviour.
“In collaboration with stakeholders, we have delivered and supported a range of engagement events, diversionary activities, and awareness-raising sessions with a view to preventing criminal activity during Bonfire Night. However, we know from previous years that a small number of individuals will view this period as an opportunity to cause disorder.
“Attacks on emergency services are completely unacceptable. Our officers along with fire and ambulance crews work tirelessly to keep the city’s communities safe. Any violence, hostility, or reckless behaviour will not be tolerated, and those responsible will be held to account.
“Our own local policing teams will be supported by specialist resource as part of Operations Moonbeam and Amberlight and will be ready to respond as required.”
Residents can visit the Council website for further information about Firework Control Zones, safety advice and organised fireworks displays.
Two men who were involved in significant disorder during Halloween and Bonfire Night 2024 have been sentenced.
On the 31 October, Jamie Hogg was part of a group of individuals who caused significant damage to the outside of Moredun House, Marytee House, Little France House and Castleview House, Craigour Green, Edinburgh by smashing 45 windows, causing approximately £50,000 worth of damage.
This group were also involved in setting off fireworks towards members of the public.
On the 5 November, Jamie Hogg and Kevin Lankiewicz smashed windows of a convenience store on Moredun Park Road, Edinburgh and set off fireworks towards members of the public and vehicles causing significant disruption to the community.
As a result of inquiries conducted by Edinburgh officers as part of Operation Crackle, the pair were subsequently arrested and charged in November 2024 and thereafter sentenced on 15 September 2026.
Jamie Hogg, who is now 19, was given an 18-month custodial sentence, while 22-year-old Kevin Lankiewicz was given a Restriction of Liberty Order that prohibits him leaving his home address between 7pm and 5am each day.
Supt Neil Wilson from Edinburgh Division said: “In 2024 we saw various incidents of unacceptable disorder and violence across the city during the Halloween and Bonfire Night period and both Hogg and Lankiewicz played a significant role in the offences experienced within the Moredun area.
“Extensive evidence was gathered prior to their arrests, and this subsequently resulted in their conviction and sentencing, which is a timely reminder ahead of Bonfire Night 2026 that we will utilise all resources at our disposal to bring those responsible for such offences to justice.”
14 arrests have now been made in connection with fireworks-related offences over the Halloween and Bonfire Night period
A male has been charged in connection with several serious offences including mobbing and rioting in Edinburgh on Bonfire Night.
This year’s national policing operation saw a near 37 per cent reduction in fireworks calls compared with last year, but pockets of criminality still occurred in various parts of the country, including the Sighthill area in Edinburgh.
As a result of evidence gathered during the evening of 5 November and follow-up enquiries over the last week, a 17-year-old male was arrested on Wednesday, 12 November.
He appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday, 13 November.
To date, 14 arrests have been made in connection with fireworks-related offences over the Halloween and Bonfire Night period by the dedicated investigation team within Edinburgh.
Home Office data shows 2024/25 saw 42 per cent increase in firework incidents compared to 2023/24
3,500+ incidents linked to human error since 2010
Organised displays remain the safest option
As an increasing number of organised fireworks displays across the UK are cancelled this year, safety charity the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is warning of increased risks from home-based celebrations.
Cancellations in London, Edinburgh and other locations come amid a 42 per cent rise in fireworks-related fire incidents, prompting urgent calls for caution ahead of Bonfire Night. New data shows 264 incidents occurred in 2024/25, up from 185 the previous year.
The figures, drawn from Home Office statistics, highlight a worrying trend in unsafe firework use. Most incidents involved “other primary fires,” which include outdoor fires in bins, grassland, and vehicles, likely caused by improper handling or disposal of fireworks.
Fireworks are a leading cause of seasonal fire injuries and property damage in the UK. Despite ongoing safety campaigns, human error remains the primary factor in over 75 per cent of incidents.
Organised events offer safer – as well as more spectacular – displays. However, anyone intending on using fireworks at home should remember the following important safety tips:
Only adults should handle fireworks
Avoid alcohol if you are lighting fireworks
Store fireworks in a closed box
Always light fireworks at arm’s length with a taper
Never return to a firework after lighting
Direct rockets well away from spectators.
Always buy fireworks with a CE or UKCA mark
Sparklers burn at extremely high temperatures and must be handled with care.
Rebecca Guy, Senior Policy Manager at RoSPA, said: “Fireworks are powerful explosives, not toys. Only adults should handle them and never mix alcohol with lighting fireworks.
“Store them safely in a closed box, light at arm’s length with a taper, and never go back to a lit firework. Always buy CE or UKCA-marked products, aim rockets away from people, and remember sparklers burn at extremely high temperatures — treat them with care.
“The shocking rise in incidents over the past year is a stark reminder of the dangers they pose when misused. We strongly advise families to attend organised displays wherever possible, as they are far safer than home-based celebrations.”
