Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP for Edinburgh Northern Sanne Dijkstra-Downie has today revealed the extent to which fire stations in Edinburgh have been unable to operate their second engines because of a lack of crew to man them.
Larger fire stations should have at least two fire engines ready to respond to an emergency call at all times.
Staffing shortages, however, can mean that fire stations are unable to dispatch a crew or a vehicle to an emergency call.
Scottish Liberal Democrat freedom of information requests to Scottish Fire and Rescue have revealed that a second fire engine was unable to operate from Mcdonald Road Fire Station for 22.9% of the previous financial year due to insufficient crew numbers.
It also revealed that in the same period, a second engine was similarly unable to operate from the Sighthill station 20.9% and Crewe Toll 18% of the time.
Picture – Chris Watt Photography
Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP said:“In recent years, we have seen how the fires along Princes Street and attacks on Bonfire Night are putting additional strain on the capital’s firefighters.
“That has only been made worse by crew shortages leaving some of Edinburgh’s fire stations unable to operate their second engines on too many occasions.
“This could inevitably lead to dangerous situations where there are multiple fires happening nearby, but only one truck available.
“The efforts and service of our city’s firefighters need to be matched by leadership from their bosses and the ministers who sit behind them.”
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.”
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.”
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.
Crimestoppers and Fearless Scotland launch annual ‘Speak Up Stay Safe’ campaign
Independent charity Crimestoppers and its youth programme Fearless Scotland are today launching their annual Bonfire Night safety campaign, urging people to speak up 100% anonymously if they know about planned attacks on emergency crews or deliberate fire-raising in their communities.
The campaigns – supported by the Scottish Government – also highlights the law around fireworks misuse, Firework Protection Zones, and, crucially, encourages people to speak up 100% anonymously about fire-raising.
Last year’s Crimestoppers’ campaign generated a wealth of information given anonymously to the charity which helped prevent at least three extremely serious, potentially life-threatening attacks on emergency crews in Scotland.
In particular, the annual campaign is asking for information on:
– Who and where organised attacks are being planned
– Where fireworks and weapons are being stored/stock-piled
– Who is responsible for deliberate fire-raising
Crimestoppers’ campaign aims to encourage reporting from the public about any planned attacks and additionally help gather information after bonfire night about who was responsible.
Communities who experienced an increase in firework attacks will be equipped with leaflets, posters and banners to raise awareness of the law around fireworks misuse and to encourage anonymous reporting about about who is responsible.
Angela Parker, National Manager of Crimestoppers in Scotland, said:“Our charity believes everyone has the right to feel safe, no more so than Scotland’s emergency services who risk their lives to keep us safe.
“Information from last year prevented a serious attack on our emergency services. That’s why we are asking anyone with information on those planning attacks to get in touch with our charity 100% anonymously.
“No-one will ever know you contacted us, and your information could be preventing serious injury or harm or even loss of life for emergency workers.”
Kirsten Oswald MSP, Minister for Community Safety, said: “We want everyone to enjoy Bonfire Night safely and I would urge anyone planning to use fireworks to do so responsibly.
“The emergency services play a vital role in keeping us all safe and any assaults on them will not be tolerated. Measures brought in in 2022 mean attacks on 999 crews using fireworks or pyrotechnics are now aggravating factors that courts can take into account when sentencing offenders.
“Other steps we have taken to improve firework safety include bringing in a ban on providing fireworks to under-18s.
“If you have information about any activity that might put emergency workers or communities at risk as Bonfire Night approaches, please get in touch with Crimestoppers by phone or on their website. You can do this anonymously and you could be helping to keep our 999 crews and your neighbours safe.”
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam said: “While most people enjoy Bonfire Night responsibly, there are those who seek to target police officers and other emergency service workers with fireworks and other projectiles, putting them at serious risk of harm while they attempt to keep communities safe.
“We saw a number of these incidents occur last year, resulting in over 60 officers being injured and this is entirely unacceptable.
“If you are found to be involved in an offence that puts police officers, other emergency service workers, or the general public at risk of harm you will be brought to justice, either on the night or during our follow-up inquiries.
“I would encourage anyone who has information about planned Bonfire Night criminality to report, and they will be brought to justice. In the event you avoid being caught on the night, you can expect a visit from us once we have conducted our inquiries.
“I would ask the public to work alongside us in helping make Bonfire Night a safe and enjoyable occasion and to contact us directly via 101 or make an anonymous report to Crimestoppers.”
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Assistant Chief Officer Andrew Watt said: “Last year, our crews came under attack on nine occasions within an eight-hour period. Our staff work tirelessly over the Bonfire period to keep people safe, and do not deserve to be attacked for doing their job.
They should be able to carry out their role without being hurt or having appliances and equipment damaged by reckless anti-social behaviour.
“These actions are also an unnecessary drain on emergency service resources. We want to bring any emergency to a safe and swift conclusion – please respect our staff and all emergency services.”
Scottish Ambulance Service Chief Executive Michael Dickson said:“We know this time of year is about fun and celebration, but let’s not forget that those on the frontline, our ambulance crews should never have to worry about their own safety while they care for others.
“Unfortunately, we’re still seeing cases of our staff facing physical assaults and verbal abuse, often driven by too much drinking. These are dedicated professionals who deserve respect, not hostility. So, have a great night, enjoy the festivities, but please, treat our staff and emergency service partners with respect.”
Ministers have activated the Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGORR) to prepare for strong, windy conditions from Storm Boelo, which are predicted to impact the whole of mainland Scotland and the Western Isles this weekend.
SGORR convened yesterday after the Met Office issued an amber weather warning for wind from 9pm tonight (Saturday 24October) lasting 24 hours.
It also follows heavy rain from Storm Austen, which has caused an increased risk of flooding in some areas.
The meeting was chaired by Social Justice and Housing Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville and was attended by a number of agencies involved in the response, including Police Scotland, Transport Scotland, and the Met Office.
Ms Somerville said: “Much of Scotland will experience very high winds this weekend, and people should be aware of the potential impacts of the Met Office’s amber alert, which includes transport and power disruption.
“The wind, coupled with the rain brought by Storm Austen, means that travel conditions could be dangerous and I would urge anyone planning travel to check their journey and follow all relevant advice before setting off.
“Our resilience and emergency system, SGORR, has now been activated to co-ordinate our response, and I am grateful for the work of partners across the country to keep everyone safe.
“SGORR will continue to monitor the situation closely over the weekend and provide regular updates to the public.”
Police travel advice has been issued following an amber weather warning for high winds across the majority of Scotland.
The Met Office has issued the weather warning for all of the Scottish mainland and islands off the west coast. This warning is in place from 9pm on Saturday 24 October, 2026, until 9pm on Sunday, 25 October.
A yellow wind warning is also in place covering the same area, also including Orkney, from 12pm on Saturday, 24 October.
Superintendent Andy Barclay, deputy head of Road Policing for Police Scotland, said: “The Amber warning for wind means there is a high risk of disruption on the road network and travel conditions may be hazardous.
“Our advice is to plan ahead and consider if your journey is really necessary or if it can be delayed until conditions improve. Stopping distances can be at least double on wet roads compared to dry conditions, and spray can reduce driver visibility.
“HGV and bus drivers should drive with extreme caution and be aware you may be asked to park at a suitable position by the police.
“If you need to travel, please drive to the conditions and allow extra time for your journey.
“Stay tuned to media outlets for further updates and consult the Traffic Scotland website and social media channels for information relating to affected roads.”
Further information about the weather warnings can be found on the Met Office website.
SEPA has issued a number of flood alerts and you can find more information about flood updates on their website.
Three youngsters and two Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) emergency responders have been recognised at this year’s Brave@Heart Awards.
The awards celebrate acts of courage by members of the public, blue-light services and voluntary rescue organisations across Scotland.
Christopher Chopping, 10, Joshua Miller, five (above) , Jordan Kerr, 15, and SAS staff Harriet Barr and Ailsa McAleer received their awards at a ceremony at Bute House on Tuesday, 6 October, attended by the First Minister and SAS Chief Executive Michael Dickson.
Christopher, from Penicuik, saved his father Lee’s life by calling 999 after he suffered a medical emergency caused by an underlying heart condition. Lee said his son’s quick thinking ensured help arrived in time.
Joshua, from Ayr, called 999 when his mum suffered an asthma attack, calmly providing the family’s address and updates on her condition to the call handler. His mum said his actions prevented the situation from becoming far more serious.
Jordan, an Army Cadet of Drumchapel, used CPR skills learned through the cadet programme to help save the life of a young boy who collapsed at a train station.
The 15-year-old restored the boy’s pulse before the ambulance arrived and has since launched a campaign to install a public defibrillator at the station.
Harriet, a Technician, and Ailsa, a Paramedic, from Fort William Station, rescued an elderly woman from an icy stream while off duty.
Despite challenging conditions, they pulled her to safety, called for help and supported the responding crew throughout the incident.
SAS Chief Executive Michael Dickson said: “The actions of all our Brave@Heart recipients are truly commendable.
“Whether performing CPR on a member of the public, calling 999 for a parent, or retrieving a walker from a river, their quick thinking and selfless actions undoubtedly prevented far more serious outcomes.
“Each recipient has demonstrated exceptional courage and is thoroughly deserving of this accolade.”
Victims and witnesses get an improved local service, including more dependable appointments and quicker investigations under a new community policing model being implemented across Scotland.
Forth Valley, Fife, and Tayside areas are already operating the model which has also recently been expanded to Highland and Islands, Argyll and West Dunbartonshire, Edinburgh and Renfrewshire and Inverclyde.
The approach draws clearer lines around the role of response officers, introduces a community investigations team, and will introduce additional community police officers across the country.
Areas already operating under the model report significant improvements in keeping local policing appointments, which were often cancelled when officers had to respond to emergencies.
There have been improvements on how quickly reports from the public about non-emergency incidents are assigned and progressed, while reducing pressure on response officers.
Although the new model makes better use of resources, community officers continue to be re-directed to support emergency response and to police events.
Chief Constable Jo Farrell said: “I want the public to have the best possible local policing, whether that’s the response to an emergency, reliable and timely support around non-emergencies, or identifiable and accessible officers who work with citizens and our partners to build cohesive and resilient communities which feel safe and experience less crime.
“The results so far are encouraging. Response officers are under less pressure and we’re progressing non-emergencies more reliably and in a way that enables local officers to listen to victims and witnesses.
“But community officers are still too often required to support emergency response and police events, drawing them away from the policing which strengthens community relations to solve shared problems, prevent crime and build cohesion and resilience.
“So, while this model makes the best use of the resources we have, I am asking government to support us to put an additional 350 officers into those crucial community teams over the coming years.”
The Policing For Our Communities local policing model was developed based on over 1,000 interactions with officers, staff, members of the public, and key local partners, to understand where we needed to change local policing.
The model uses richer demand data, including travel time around rural incidents, and how many people and how long different incidents need. This approach provides a clear and evidenced understanding of what resource we need, and where and when we need it. The new community policing model is expected to be in place nationally by March 2027.
A complementary approach to local public protection and crime will begin a proof of concept by the end of 2026 in North East Division and Highland and Islands Division.
The investigations and safeguarding project will deliver a new model to modernise how we deliver investigations and safeguarding services across local policing as part of our overarching response to the violence against women and girls emergency.
It will create a more nationally consistent, sustainable and victim-centred approach to investigations and safeguarding through improved victim care, better resource utilisation and more effective investigative capabilities.
As part of the new approach to local policing, Police Scotland is also developing how we deliver frontline support services, such as licensing to reduce duplication and increase efficiency.
Further details about the public protection and crime model and the approach to delivering frontline support services will be shared as progress is made.
Frontline health workers across Scotland locked out of paramedic positions unless they leave paid work to go to university
Over 700 Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) staff support new campaign to create a training route from technician to paramedic positions
Hard-working ambulance workers with families, mortgages and caring responsibilities being forced to choose between their NHS careers and university study
Campaign warns experienced NHS staff are being left behind despite already having years of frontline clinical experience
New pathway could help tackle paramedic recruitment challenges in remote and rural communities
Campaign to stage major actions at ambulance stations all over Scotland in order to secure negotiations with Health Secretary Angela Constance
Backed by all major unions (GMB, Unite and UNISON) who represent thousands of ambulance workers
More than 700 Scottish Ambulance Service staff are backing a campaign to give experienced Ambulance Technicians a route into paramedic roles without having to leave their jobs to study full-time.
Technicians are skilled frontline NHS workers who already work alongside paramedics, responding to emergencies and caring for patients across Scotland. But since 2021, new paramedics have been required to complete a university degree, leaving experienced technicians with few options to progress.
For workers with children, mortgages, caring responsibilities and other financial commitments, giving up a paid NHS job to become a full-time student simply isn’t realistic. As a result, experienced staff are being left behind despite years of frontline clinical experience.
The campaign is calling for a Technician-to-Paramedic pathway that recognises technicians’ existing education, skills and clinical experience, while maintaining the same academic, clinical and professional standards required of all paramedics.
This is not about lowering standards. It is about making sure experienced NHS staff do not have to start again from scratch when they have already demonstrated the knowledge and skills required.
A new pathway could also help strengthen paramedic recruitment in remote and rural communities by allowing experienced technicians who already live and work there to progress their careers while continuing to serve their local communities.
Adam Clearly, Ambulance Technician, Paisley:“After the first lockdown, I found myself in admiration for the NHS and wanted to contribute as much as I could. I took great pride in my work as a dispatcher. I wanted to help patients on the front line and challenge myself”
“Because technicians across the country are truly the backbone of SAS, and there is no replacement for the experience, knowledge and compassion that technicians gain. Having time as a technician prior to completion your paramedic degree would ensure staff are well prepared for the realities of the ambulance service, and that candidates for the paramedic ticket have proved in practice they are capable of the step up.”
“I am currently unable to progress my career, and at times this has made me consider leaving the service. I feel somewhat trapped. Progression is limited, and will always favour those that are paramedics, despite having much less experience and regardless of their skills or knowledge.
“This campaign would give me a pathway to success and give technicians across the country a new sense of purpose, a chance to prove their worth, which is slowly fading from SAS.”
Frances Malley, Technician, Ellon: “I joined SAS in 2022 as a technician after working in a community based job. I left that role because Covid required me to work from home which I found very challenging. My 2 children had left for university so I had the opportunity to go for a job I had always wanted to do.”
“Historically, Technician wasn’t simply a job you entered and stayed in indefinitely, it was described by SAS as the first stage towards becoming a registered paramedic. During the interview process I was told that I would be expected to progress from Technician to paramedic but the option has been taken away.
“The tech to paramedic pathway would mean that we would get that opportunity without having to spend 3 years at university. If I went to university it would have financial implications, plus the difficulties of juggling work and placements.
“A new pathway would give rural technicians like myself, an equal opportunity to progress and service our communities.”
