A youngster who suffered serious injuries after being trapped in a vehicle after a serious crash has been reunited with the SAS responders who helped him.
Thomas Bell, of Edinburgh, aged 12, was involved in the incident on May 8, which left him with serious injuries.
His dad, Grahame and Charlie, aged 10 at the time, were also in the vehicle.
The incident involved multiple SAS assets, including East SORT and EMRS West.
Thomas visited the Scottish Ambulance Service’s ScotSTAR base to meet up with some of the staff who assisted him, including Dr Tim Parke and Dr Jon McCormack.
Mum Orla said: “It was a very exciting day for the boys and an emotional one for my husband and I. Thomas spent more than 4 months in hospital, undergoing multiple complex surgeries.
“All of the emergency services helped save our son’s life and the NHS doctors and nurses gave him his future back. As parents, we simply could not have asked for better care, empathy and expertise. We will be forever grateful to all of the people involved and I will never stop saying thank you to you all.”
Dr Tim Parke, an emergency doctor who was on duty at the EMRS base in Glasgow, said: “Throughout the entire incident, Thomas remained completely calm and controlled. This was extraordinary considering the trauma of the accident and the injuries sustained.
“It was an honour to have played a small part in that journey.”
Staff at the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) continue to face unacceptable levels of violence and verbal abuse, with new concerning figures revealing that every day a staff member is assaulted or abused.
In the year 2024/2025, 369 SAS staff were physically assaulted or verbally abused, an increase of 11% compared to 2023/2024.
Nearly 200 staff members were physically hurt while on shift and with the majority of incidents happening in the East and West of the country.
These include staff being spat on, kicked, punched and threatened with weapons.
Gillian Sommerville, Technician at Leven Station, Fife, said she was with her work partner on a nightshift when they received a call at 2am to attend an unconscious male.
She said: “When we arrived, there were also three other males in their mid-teens who appeared to be under the influence of unknown alcohol or drugs and were confrontational. Due to the freezing temperatures, we quickly lifted the patient in the vehicle. The three friends then started shouting and banging on the ambulance and rocking the vehicle.
“Minutes later, the back door and side door were opened and two of the friends jumped in shouting at us. I was wedged at the top of the trolley as the third friend tried to grab me through the window. I tried to continually push him off. My partner was stuck between two of the friends near the back of the vehicle and they were shouting in her face.”
Gillian said as the patient woke up, his friends tried to drag him off the trolley. She then phoned for urgent police assistance. Gillian, who suffered an injury to her arm and spent several months undergoing physiotherapy, said three of the men were arrested and the patient subsequently assaulted a police officer while in hospital.
SAS Chief Executive Michael Dickson said: “The fact that our staff face daily violence, verbal abuse or aggression is completely unacceptable.
“These incidents can have a significant and lasting impact on our people, sometimes even leading them to leave the ambulance service.
“They have the right to carry out their work helping patients and saving lives without fear of assault or abuse and we will continue to work with Police Scotland, like we have done on this occasion, to take action against perpetrators.”
The figures are from December 2024 – 30 November 2025. 192 SAS staff were physically assaulted while 177 were verbally abused
The Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGORR) convened yesterday to discuss ongoing efforts to recover from the recent heavy snow in northern Scotland and preparations for further snow and ice warnings.
The meeting was chaired by Justice Secretary Angela Constance and attended by First Minister John Swinney, Cabinet Secretaries, the Met Office, transport operators, Police Scotland, local authorities, resilience partnerships and utilities companies.
First Minister John Swinney has asked people to continue to follow advice on staying safe in winter and thanked those involved in supporting others.
Mr Swinney said yesterday: “The cumulative impact of the heavy snowfall across northern Scotland has been significant and there has been a huge effort to keep transport moving and public services open.
“At present, there is still some travel disruption but trunk roads are open and rail, ferry and air services are working to get back to normal as quickly as possible. Likewise many schools are closed today but remote learning is in place for young people, while contingency plans are in place for affected health and social care services.
“There will be further snow and ice, with yellow warnings in large parts of Scotland and temperatures set to remain cold, so impacts will continue to be felt in the coming days which could include transport problems and I would encourage everyone to plan ahead, look out for each other and pay close attention to the range of weather and travel advice available.
“I want to thank everyone who has worked so hard, day and night, to keep Scotland open and moving. Public services have been collaborating well in sharing information and vehicles, while I have heard of truly exceptional efforts by farmers, volunteers and members of the public offering to clear local roads, dig out cars and keep people safe. That community spirit is truly heartening to hear.
“Ministers will continue to keep the situation under review.”
Assistant Chief Constable Alan Waddell said: “Local resilience partnerships are continuing to meet to co-ordinate and deliver the response to disruption experienced by communities in the north and north east of Scotland following heavy snowfall over the weekend.
“We have been working closely with resilience partners across local authorities, other emergency service partners, transport partners, NHS and health and social care partnerships, and other local organisations to support communities affected by adverse weather and keep public services open where possible.
“Some services may be impacted by adverse weather, and I would encouragethe public to check on neighbours or relatives, if they are able to do so safely.
“Heavy snow and ice means driving conditions are likely to continue to be hazardous in some areas. Our advice is to plan ahead and consider if your journey is really necessary.
“If you need to travel, please fully clear your vehicle windows of snow and ice before you drive, drive to the conditions, be prepared for delays and allow extra time for your journey.”
The justice sector is facing serious and complex challenges and without increased funding of £400 million (13%) in next year’s budget, the sector faces unacceptable cuts to services, say the Criminal Justice Committee.
The Committee has been gathering evidence as part of their pre-budget scrutiny 26/27. While acknowledging the budget pressures on the Scottish Government, the Committee say the evidence it has received is gravely concerning and that the justice sector has now reached a critical limit in its ability to deliver services without additional investment.
The evidence gathered shows a sector under ever-increasing pressure with new and emerging threats such as cybersecurity and climate change adding to the stress on resources. The Committee is calling for dedicated funding to ensure justice bodies can tackle rising cyber threats and climate-driven challenges.
In particular, the Committee want to see investment in the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, who are on the front line of responding to climate change incidents.
Other budget pressures highlighted in the report include the additional costs in planning, and implementing new legislation enacted by the Parliament.
The Committee say there is an urgent need for the Scottish Government to move towards multi-year funding settlements for all justice sector bodies in Scotland to allow for longer term planning and more flexibility.
The Committee recommend that the Scottish Government works with the UK Government to see if a solution can be found which would allow both the Scottish Police Authority/Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service flexibility to manage their budgets through the use of a financial reserve, as they did before they became single nationwide services.
Furthermore, the Committee want the Scottish Government to look into the possibility of allowing the police and fire services to be given borrowing capacity, to give them more flexibility and an ability to better respond to urgent critical challenges.
Criminal Justice Committee Convener, Audrey Nicoll MSP, said:“The scenario facing the justice sector is gravely concerning and without additional funding of £400 million it will face unacceptable cuts to frontline services.
“Our Committee acknowledge that there are no easy answers when it comes to the budget pressures the Government is facing. However, despite the best efforts of the justice sector to make efficiency savings over the last 10-15 years, it is clear that a crucial limit has now been reached in terms of funding and resources.
“Put simply, a flat cash settlement next year is not sufficient, and would lead to cuts and reductions to services which our Committee cannot accept.”
The Convener added:“We want to see additional funding of £400 million and multi-year funding settlements to help the sector in the short and long term.
“We also encourage the Scottish Government to look into giving the police and fire services the ability to borrow money and create financial reserves in order to give them more flexibility to deal with ongoing and urgent financial pressures.
“The Committee thanks witnesses from across the sector who have spoken so candidly on the pressures they face and the urgent need for increased funding.”
The Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) has boosted its staffing by bringing in almost 100 new recruits ahead of winter.
The extra staff were announced yesterday (Tuesday, 11 November) by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Neil Gray while visiting the Service’s East Ambulance Control Centre (ACC) in South Queensferry.
The new staff include 25 call handlers who are based in the Service’s ambulance control centres and 22 staff, including GPs, clinical advisors and advanced practitioners, who have joined the Service’s Integrated Clinical Hub.
A dozen scheduled care coordinators who manage the Service’s patient transport vehicles have also been recruited, along with 36 ambulance care assistants who will transport patients to planned hospital or clinic appointments. An additional 72 ambulance care assistants will join SAS by April 2026.
Michael Dickson, Chief Executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service said: “Compared to last year, we’re already seeing an increase of pressure on our services.It’s therefore essential that we continue to bolster our workforce to ensure we can give the best possible service to our patients and also provide support to our existing staff during this demanding time.
“To help our staff over winter, we’d like to remind the public that if you need urgent care, but it’s not life-threatening, you can call NHS 24 on 111, day or night, or visit your GP during opening hours.”
Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “It was a pleasure to meet some of the new recruits and hardworking staff at the South Queensferry Control Centre.
“These new staff members will provide a crucial boost to the Scottish Ambulance Service as they deal with the increased demand and pressure that winter brings. This is on top of work already underway to recruit an additional 269 newly qualified paramedics this year.
“The additional call handlers and recruits to the Integrated Clinical Hub will all help to reduce conveyances and ensure patients are directed to the most appropriate care. The new staff working in the Hub will help triage less seriously ill patients who don’t need to go to A&E, freeing up ambulances and reducing pressure on emergency departments.”
Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have praised Scotland’s communities for their support, following a considerable reduction in serious disorder over the Halloween and Bonfire Night period.
Between 31 October and 5 November 2024, Police Scotland received 1,317 calls requiring either a local, or specialist response. This year, 833 calls across the country were received – a decrease of almost 37 per cent.
There were no significant incidents recorded between 31 October and 4 November 2025, with only minor reports of antisocial behaviour and disorder reported in parts of Edinburgh and Midlothian.
On Wednesday, 5 November, police responded to incidents in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Clydebank and Blackridge.
At around 5.30pm Public Order Officers responded to calls relating to antisocial behaviour and youths throwing fireworks within the Calder Road and Sighthill Park areas. Upon arrival of police, those involved dispersed and no further serious offences took place.
Local officers and members of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in Netherton Road, Glasgow reported fireworks being directed at their vehicles at around 7.05pm, resulting in the police car sustaining damage and requiring uplift.
Public Order officers then assisted local policing colleagues in Clydebank at around 8pm following incidents of fireworks being directed towards shops and vehicles within Dunbarton Road. One male sustained a minor injury to his shoulder as a result of a rear window of the vehicle he was travelling within being smashed by a firework. He did not require any hospital treatment.
A further report of an SFRS crew being attacked by projectiles was then received at 9.45pm in Blackridge, West Lothian.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service dealt with almost 700 emergency calls throughout the evening.
Two people have been arrested so far, and inquiries are ongoing to identify individuals involved in the offences that took place.
To date, 25 Dispersal Orders were issued in Edinburgh, with a further 20 in Glasgow. Officers in the Capital also carried out 34 stop and searches under the Section 60 policing powers implemented for Bonfire Night.
There have been no reports of injury to police officers or other emergency service personnel over the last week.
Operation Moonbeam is Police Scotland’s public order response to addressing serious disorder over the Bonfire Night period and in 2025, more specialist resource than ever before was dedicated to help protect local communities from harm.
For the first time during Moonbeam deployments, various officers were equipped with Body Worn Video.
Over the past few weeks, police seized more than two tonnes of illegal fireworks that intelligence suggested were intended for use in disorder.
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam said: “First and foremost, I want to offer my thanks to the public across Scotland for their overwhelming support of our policing response and for working closely with us to make this a successful operation.
“While police were required to deploy into various areas and address certain incidents arising, there has been a notable and welcome reduction in both the number of serious disorder offences occurring, and the level of violence and hostility directed towards police officers, fire fighters, and ambulance crews.
“There will be follow-up criminal inquiries undertaken in relation to some of the offences that took place, and I want to make it clear again that the criminal use of fireworks will not be tolerated.
“What’s really encouraging is the level of positive engagement we’ve had with communities over the last few months, and this has helped shape our policing plans for Operation Moonbeam, as well as providing vital intelligence that has led to some significant fireworks recoveries in advance of the Bonfire Night period.
“I am grateful to all of the partners and stakeholders who worked alongside us in the planning and delivery of Operation Moonbeam and to each and every officer and member of staff whose dedication and professionalism have made this a successful policing operation.”
Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Kenny Barbour, SFRS Head of Prevention, added “I would like to take this opportunity to thank our staff, and all emergency responders across Scotland, for their tireless efforts during this busy and challenging period.
“The bonfire season is always our busiest period of the year and presents us with some unique challenges in terms of keeping our staff and communities safe.
“But that is why our preparatory work is so key and I would like to thank our partners for their continued support in this joint effort.
“Thank you also to our communities for following our key safety guidance and for respecting our staff. Their support is invaluable in allowing us to be there for those who need our help the most.”
Following months of hard work, Council Leader Jane Meagher has praised partners and communities for a successful Bonfire Night.
Responding to the success of Operation Moonbeam, Council Leader Jane Meagher said:“I’m pleased and relieved that Bonfire Night passed off without serious incident last night and that the vast majority of people celebrated safely and responsibly.
“It was wonderful to see so many families, friends, and communities coming together to have fun and enjoy the organised events on offer. It really did feel worlds apart from recent years – and I want to thank our communities for the part they played in that.
“Of course, I’m disappointed by the behaviour of a few mindless individuals and I hope they’re dealt with swiftly and appropriately. However, we only saw a fraction of the issues and disruption we’ve experienced in previous years and it’s such a relief that no one was hurt.
“I want to express my sincere thanks to Police Scotland for their swift action on the night and to everyone who played a role in keeping us safe.
“A huge amount of planning and hard work has gone in from by colleagues from across the Council – particularly in our schools – and from Police and blue-light services, Lothian Buses, and many other partners across the city.
“A standout for me was the genuine and constructive engagement with our young people over many months, with last month’s Youth Summit a particular success. It was so heartening to hear the impact this had on our young people and, also, how well attended last night’s activities were.
“To me, this feels like a great return on the investment we’ve made in our young people, many of whom had begun to feel demonised by the events of previous years, and it’s something we must focus on all year round – not just on Bonfire Night.
“Overall, this was a genuine team effort that represents the very best of partnership working in our city – and I know colleagues are already thinking about how we can use the lessons we’ve learned last night, and in the build up to it.
“I’m determined to make sure that every Bonfire Night is as positive and memorable for our residents an communities.”
From 3pm this afternoon, Police Scotland will be implementing Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 powers in certain areas of the city to address any disorder that may arise.
This allows officers to stop and search people and vehicles where this is appropriate and necessary.
Section 60 also allows officers to require the removal of any item the officer believes is being used wholly or partly for the purposes of concealing their identity.
The powers will be in place within the Niddrie, Muirhouse, Pilton, Moredun, Gracemount, Saughton, Sighthill and Longstone areas of the city.
It will be used responsibly and when justified to help prevent disorder and serious violence.
Chief Superintendent David Robertson, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh, said: “The overwhelming majority of those within Edinburgh have enjoyed the celebrations of the last week in the proper spirit and I sincerely thank the public for their support of our policing operation to keep people safe during the Halloween and Bonfire Night periods.
“Attacks on police officers, emergency service colleagues, and other vital services will not be tolerated.
“These offences have a significant detrimental impact on our communities and so we will be utilising the Section 60 powers where appropriate to ensure this evening is safe and enjoyable for everyone looking to celebrate.”
Remember the impact fireworks can have on those around you, including pets and animals who can suffer stress and anxiety from the loud and sudden noises.
Council Leader Jane Meagher has repeated her appeal for residents to stay safe tonight by attending organised displays and following simple safety advice.
Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “We’ve enjoyed a fantastic few days of celebrations across the city, with residents of all ages getting into the Halloween spirit on Friday night and some well-attended community firework displays over the weekend. On Sunday, I had the pleasure of attending local Diwali celebrations, and it was wonderful to see our communities coming together to enjoy the festivities.
“As we look ahead to Bonfire Night tonight, preparations are well underway for another evening of celebration, with further community displays are other activities planned across the city. While this is, of course, a highlight for many, it’s also a time when serious injuries and accidents can occur if fireworks and bonfires aren’t handled safely.
“This is why we’ve been working so closely with our partners and community groups to put measures in place, such as Firework Control Zones, to help make Bonfire Night safe and memorable for all the right reasons.
“We’ve also been engaging with young people over many months to promote firework safety, checking and clearing fly-tipping hotspots to reduce fire risks and co-ordinating CCTV coverage to support community safety.
“I’d encourage you once again to attend one the many organised displays taking place across the city tonight – they’re not only the best way to enjoy fireworks, they’re also the safest. And please look after yourself and your loved ones by following the simple safety advice.
“I want us all to remember Bonfire Night for the right reasons this year.”
You can also play your part by storing bins securely and reporting any large items that could be used for bonfires by emailing waste@edinburgh.gov.uk.
If you spot unauthorised bonfires or firework displays, you can report these to the Council by calling 0131 200 2000, Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has joined forces with children’s burns specialists to drive home the importance of staying safe around fireworks.
During just a four week period last year, 46 people attended hospital for treatment after being injured by fireworks.
According to the statistics compiled by the Care of Burns in Scotland partnership, nearly half of those treated required plastic surgery or specialist health care.
SFRS staff have been visiting schools and community groups across Scotland to lay bare the dangers of misusing fireworks.
Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Kenny Barbour is the SFRS Head of Prevention. He said: “Every year we witness people who have been injured by fireworks.Fireworks are explosives and people need to understand how dangerous they can be.
“We would always urge people to attend an organised public display where possible, but where they can’t, they should always read the Fireworks Code before buying or using fireworks.
“A little knowledge can go a long way to keeping people safe.”
Sharon Ramsay, Clinical Nurse Specialist for Paediatric Burns at the Scottish National Burns Centre, based at the Royal Hospital for Children, has seen the devastating impact of fireworks firsthand.
She said: “Every year around Bonfire Night, we treat children with serious injuries caused by fireworks and sparklers. These can be life-changing, especially in older children who’ve lit fireworks while holding them.
“We’ve seen blast injuries to hands, faces, and eyes, some resulting in permanent disability.
“If you’re using fireworks at home, please keep children indoors and behind closed windows where they can safely enjoy the display.
“It’s not just the 5th of November that’s risky. We often see more injuries in the two weeks following Bonfire Night, when young people get hold of leftover fireworks and use them unsupervised with friends.
“If you’re storing fireworks for another occasion, like New Year’s Eve, please keep them locked away and out of reach of children.”
You can find all key safety information, including the Fireworks Code, on the SFRS website. You’ll also find a full list of organised public displays.
A seasoned firefighter has spoken of the terrifying moment her crew came under attack with fireworks.
Watch Commander Debbie McCafferty serves communities at both Glasgow’s Clydesmill Community Fire Station and at Carluke Community Fire Station.
Debbie has protected communities since 2002 and balances her wholetime role with family life and responding to emergencies via a pager.
Last year, she and her on call crewmates came under attack during a callout to an unofficial bonfire in Carluke.
After engaging with the crowd in attendance, Debbie and her colleagues began to extinguish the bonfire. It was then a firework was fired in their direction.
Debbie recalled: “There were loads of people around the bonfire. As we began to extinguish it and the crowd began to disperse, we heard a whistling noise.
“I looked around to my left and an unexploded firework had hit a trainee firefighter on his leg. We both instinctively kicked it away and then it went off.
“It was horrible, really horrible. Thankfully everyone was okay, but all it would have taken was for the firework to get stuck in his tunic or for it to have landed in front of us and it would have caused severe injuries.
“We’re there trying to do a job and keep people safe. We’re not targets and we don’t deserve to be treated like that.”
Firefighter Scott Stevenson attended the same incident and was struck by the firework. He recalled: “It was quite dark, and I was stood making sure the fire was out when I heard a whistle.
“I felt something strike my leg and my colleague pulled me to the side as the firework exploded.
“It was a scary situation and could have been a lot worse.
“My family were very upset and angry when they found out.”
Debbie is keen to point out that attending an organised firework event or bonfire display is the safest way to enjoy the bonfire season – but she is realistic enough to know many people will host firework displays or have bonfires at home.
She said: “Have a good time and enjoy yourself but do it in a safe manner. Don’t put yourself at risk and don’t ruin anyone else’s fun. Respect other people and consider the impact of fireworks on animals.
“We’re not there to ruin anyone’s fun, we just want to keep people safe – and that includes ourselves.”
You can find out key safety information, including the Bonfire Code, on the SFRS website.
On there, you will also see a full and updated list of all public firework events taking place across Scotland.
