Tag: emergency services

‘Unprecedented levels of violence’: Serious disorder on Bonfire Night

SERIOUS PUBLIC DISORDER IN CRAIGMILLAR

EMEREGNCY SERVICES COME UNDER ATTACK

TIME TO BAN PUBLIC SALE OF FIREWORKS?

POLICE Scotland has faced unprecedented levels of violence while protecting communities from Bonfire Night disorder.

While initial analysis suggests no rise in recorded fireworks offences, compared to last year, throughout Sunday, 5 November, 2023, there were a number of serious disturbances that required a specialist police response across the country.

In Edinburgh, officers received reports from concerned members of the public at around 4.40pm in relation to a large group of both adults and young people gathering in the Hay Avenue area,

Approximately 50 youths within this group were responsible for directing fireworks at vehicles and buildings with members of the public inside and escalated their behaviour when police arrived, attacking both uniformed and Public Order Officers with fireworks, petrol bombs and other projectiles.

Detectives investigating the attacks on officers within Niddrie are actively pursuing a number of individuals, who they believe were providing local youths with fireworks and petrol bombs to target police. Inquiries into this matter are continuing.

In Dundee, two police vehicles, that were out to provide a visible presence to the local community, were damaged after being struck by bricks in the Beauly Square area at 6.55pm.

In Glasgow, at around 9pm, police received a report of two separate groups of youths fighting and throwing fireworks at one another within the Quarrywood Avenue area of Barmulloch.

In total, eight officers sustained minor injuries during deployments in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

While only a small number of arrests were made on the evening, as a result of the significant challenges officers faced to ensure no harm came to communities, substantial pieces of evidence have already been gathered and dedicated inquiry teams have been established to progress these investigations.

It is anticipated further arrests will take place in the coming days.

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam said: “The overwhelming majority of Scotland enjoyed Bonfire Night safely and responsibly, but once again, a minority of individuals have been responsible for an unacceptable and frankly, disgusting level of disorder that left communities alarmed and police officers injured.

“We took learning from last year’s operation and enhanced the level of Public Order resources available to local policing divisions to ensure we could get these assets into locations they were needed quicker, providing a more robust response to criminal incidents.

“The lower levels of disorder experienced in other parts of the country demonstrates that this approach was the correct one. Our partnership work ensured that there was a reduction in damage to public property and that, overall, the emergency services and wider communities were better protected.

“However, the violent nature of the situation witnessed in the Niddrie area of Edinburgh is extremely concerning, not least because it is believed young people were being actively encouraged and co-ordinated by adults to target officers while they carried out their duties.

“Investigations into the offences that arose throughout Scotland on Sunday evening are continuing and we will make every effort to ensure anyone who was involved is identified and brought to justice. If any members of the public believe they have information that can assist our inquiries, then please contact us via 101, or make an anonymous report to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“Police Scotland officers were subjected to unprecedented levels of violence, and yet they continued to demonstrate professionalism and dedication to keeping communities safe.

“I am both proud of, and grateful to, all of those who were on duty and put themselves in harm’s way to protect the public during this very challenging time.”

Firefighters come under attack while responding to 999 calls on Bonfire night

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has reported nine attacks during an eight-hour period. The attacks happened in Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Blantyre in South Lanarkshire and Blackburn in West Lothian.

There were no injuries reported to the crews involved however a fire appliance in West Lothian had a windscreen smashed by a brick and had to be removed from operational service.

These attacks have followed four previously reported attacks on crews in Ayrshire and Edinburgh in the week leading up to Bonfire Night, as well as two further attacks over the weekend in Troon and Glasgow.

This totals 15 attacks on firefighters over a period of one week.

Andy Watt Assistant Chief Officer for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “Attacks on our firefighters are completely unacceptable. 

“Our staff should be able to carry out their role without being attacked. It is disappointing that people have tried to hurt firefighters and have damaged our appliances.

“This type of behaviour not only prevents our crews from bringing any emergency to a safe and swift conclusion, but it can impact on our emergency service colleagues – including the police – when they are supporting us on scene to ensure the safety of our personnel. 

“We thank our emergency service partners Police Scotland for their continued assistance and we will continue to work in partnership with them to identify those responsible.

“This type of behaviour is, of course, carried out by a small minority within society and we once again thank our communities for their continuing support and working together with us to stay safe.”

SFRS received more than 892 calls from the public and Operations Control mobilised firefighters to approximately 355 bonfires across the country between 3.30pm and 12 Midnight on Sunday, 5 November. 

In the run up to the event, the SFRS had appealed to the public to be aware of the dangers of both fireworks and unsafe bonfires with a message to consider the impact of their actions on communities and emergency services. 

ACO Watt added: “Bonfire Night is traditionally one of our busiest nights of the year.  “We put a huge amount of planning and preparation into this evening with local partners and other emergency services in order to protect communities, which is always our top priority. 

“I would like to pay tribute to the professionalism and resilience of our frontline personnel, our Operations Control staff and our support staff who have shown incredible commitment over this busy period. 

“Their dedication has allowed us to continue to protect communities throughout Scotland on Bonfire Night.” 

City council leader Cammy Day said last night: “I’m appalled to see the scenes in Niddrie this evening. This behaviour is unacceptable.

“We’ve been working with our partners and in our communities to mitigate Bonfire Night related disruption, so it is extremely disappointing to see a minority of people behaving in this way.

“I would reassure residents that we are working closely with Police Scotland to ensure the community are safe and appeal to anyone who can help identify those responsible to contact police so they can be dealt with appropriately by the justice system.”

Police Statement 9pm Sunday 5 November:

We are currently dealing with an incident of significant disorder in the Hay Avenue area of Edinburgh, which began around 4.40pm this afternoon.

Reports were received of a large number of youths involved in the antisocial use of fireworks and local officers requested support from the #OpMoonbeam specially-trained Public Order resource.

Police in attendance are currently being subjected to attacks involving fireworks, petrol bombs and other projectiles and the public is asked to avoid the area while the response is ongoing.

There are a number of local road closures in place and we will advise when these re-open.

The public is thanked for their assistance with this matter.

AT 8.30 last night:

#OpMoonbeam resources are supporting officers in Hay Avenue to deal with significant fireworks disorder. Officers are being attacked with fireworks, petrol bombs and other projectiles. Some local roads are closed. Please avoid the area for the time-being while we respond.

RoSPA: Have fun but stay safe this Bonfire Night

Fireworks are fun when enjoyed safely – that’s the message from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), as the nation prepares for bonfire night celebrations. 

RoSPA says that attending an organised display is the safest option, but with some people unable to get out and about and some local councils cancelling firework displays, there could be an uptick in people celebrating at home. And with every bonfire night witnessing serious injury cases, RoSPA recommends anyone hosting a display at home to read its firework safety advice.

Anyone planning on celebrating Bonfire Night should know:

  • It is illegal to buy or give a firework to anyone under the age of 18 except for category F1 fireworks.
  • It is illegal to set fireworks off before 6pm and after 11pm. This extends to midnight on 5 November and 1am on Hogmanay, Chinese New Year and Diwali.
  • It is illegal to use fireworks in the street or other public places.
  • Sparklers reach extremely hot temperatures and can cause severe burns to young children.  It is not recommended to give them to under 5s.
  • Follow the Firework Code and read instructions before use.
  • Not all fireworks are suitable for private use, it depends on the size of your garden – so do your research before purchasing.

RoSPA’s 10 Point Firework Code: 

  1. Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable, and check the time you can legally set off fireworks 
  2. In England, Scotland and Wales only buy fireworks which carry UKCA or CE marks. In the case of Northern Ireland look for the UKNI symbol along with the UKCA or CE mark. Keep your fireworks in a closed box, and use them one at a time 
  3. Read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch if necessary 
  4. Light the firework at arm’s length with a taper and stand well back 
  5. Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks 
  6. Never return to a firework once it has been lit 
  7. Don’t put fireworks in pockets and never throw them 
  8. Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators 
  9. Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire 
  10. Make sure that the fire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving. 

Phil Le Shirley, Public Safety Advisor at RoSPA, said: “Bonfire night can be a magical time for families and communities, and we believe the safest way to enjoy fireworks is by going to an organised display where there will be the appropriate safety protocols in place.

“However, we do recognise that not everyone can attend organised displays and may wish to have their own at home. We therefore advise those people to only purchase fireworks from licensed sellers, follow the manufacturers guidelines and dispose of them safely.”

6.7600_BEIS_OPSS_Firework-Safety-Campaign_A4-Leaflets_Animal-wecompress.com_Download

Councillor Tim Pogson, Chair of the Edinburgh Community Safety and Justice Partnership, wrote in the Evening News about the city’s preparation for Bonfire Night:

With Bonfire Night taking place this Sunday (November 5), whilst the vast majority of our residents will behave and celebrate appropriately, I’m conscious of some of the appalling scenes last year where we saw widespread disorder, with emergency services vehicles and officers being attacked.

In 2022, two officers in Edinburgh were treated in hospital for head injuries after bricks were thrown at their vehicle. In another incident in the Capital, approximately 100 people threw fireworks at members of the public and vehicles. This is unacceptable, and I want to be clear that we will not tolerate any attacks on our emergency services who work hard to keep us all safe.

Last week (October 26), Depute Lord Provost Lezley Marion Cameron attended the launch of Crimestoppers Scotland’s campaign targeting violence against emergency services. Communities which experienced an increase in firework attacks will be equipped with leaflets, posters, and banners to raise awareness of the law around fireworks misuse and help gather information about who is responsible.

Since last year’s incidents, Police Scotland in Edinburgh have worked proactively to identify those involved which has resulted in 29 people being charged with 59 offences. This year Police Scotland have been clear that there’ll be a zero-tolerance approach towards violence and threatening behaviour.

It’s important to highlight the partnership work that has been ongoing for many months to prepare the city for what is the busiest night of the year for our emergency services. Teams from across the Council have been working closely with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), Police Scotland, Scottish Ambulance Service, and other key partners in the buildup to Bonfire Night.

From engagement with schools, youth services, and community organisations on the dangers of fireworks, to proactive social media campaigns, and increased patrols from waste services to collect items that could potentially be set alight to name a few, we’re committed to making sure Edinburgh is properly prepared.

I’d like to make special mention of our work with Lothian Association of Youth Clubs as well as our Housing Services and partner Registered Social Landlords. This work will continue up to, including and beyond Bonfire Night where we review this year’s outcomes and begin preparations anew.

We’re committed to working with our partners and local communities to make sure everyone stays safe this Bonfire Night.

I would urge everyone in the city to only attend organised displays and look out for one another. Further safety information and guidance is available on SFRS’s website.   

You can report information related to Bonfire Night anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800555111.

Please also contact Trading Standards on trading.standards@edinburgh.gov.uk or 0131 608 1100 if you have any information on the illegal sale of fireworks. 

Edinburgh urged to celebrate safely ahead of Bonfire Night

Campaign offers advice as new research gives insight to safety behaviours

The Scottish Government and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are urging people in Edinburgh to plan ahead and stay safe this Bonfire Night (5th November).

While new research highlights that 86 per cent of respondents1 in Edinburgh are concerned about the impact of fireworks on others, it also shows that 43 per cent2 stated they would give sparklers to children under five. Sparklers can get five times hotter than cooking oil and are the most common type of firework to injure children3.

David McGill, Lead Clinician for the Care of Burns in Scotland (COBIS) network and Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Scotland’s Burn Hub said: “Children are frequently burned with sparklers.

“There’s a misunderstanding of how hot they can get, causing severe burns to fingers and hands, or catching clothing alight. Sparklers should never be given to children under the age of five.

“Unfortunately we see a rise in burn injuries around Bonfire Night, in both adults and children, with 41 injuries recorded over the four-week period around Guy Fawkes night last year.

“The majority of these occurred at private properties, ranging from minor, such as burns to the fingers, to severe, including loss of fingers and complex eye injuries with loss of vision.”

As part of the new drive, people are also being encouraged to consider attending an organised public display, something almost half of those surveyed (48 per cent4) plan to do.

This remains the safest way to enjoy fireworks and helps minimise their impact on other members of the community, with 42 per cent of respondents5 in Edinburgh stating they have a family member or pet who is negatively affected.

For those still planning on using their own fireworks, the Scottish Government and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is asking people to consider others, ensure they know how to keep themselves and loved ones safe, and to follow regulations.

It is illegal to set off fireworks in public places, including streets and parks, and to buy or give fireworks to someone under the age of 18, other than category F1 fireworks6. 

It is also illegal to set off fireworks before 6pm and after 11pm, extending to midnight on 5th November and 1am on Hogmanay, Chinese New Year and Diwali.

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer (DACO) Iain Macleod is the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Head of Prevention and Protection. He said: “Every year people are injured by bonfires and fireworks and admitted to hospital, with children particularly affected.

“We encourage the public to follow the safety guidance in the lead up to Bonfire Night and we always recommend attending an organised event if possible.

“People should also be aware of the laws around the use of fireworks, consider the risks and always follow the Firework Code to keep everyone safe.

“Please respect our staff who are working hard to ensure the wider community is safe on one of the busiest nights of the year for our service.”

Fireworks can be particularly distressing for those who experience sensory impairment, and can also cause stress in animals.

Scottish SPCA Director of Innovation and Strategic Relations Gilly Mendes Ferreira said: ‘‘Every year thousands of animals suffer stress and anxiety caused by the use of fireworks.

“Animals can panic and flee at the sound of a bang and this can lead them towards danger such as being the cause of a road traffic accident, also putting human lives at risk.

“Our advice for those with animals includes not walking your dog at night when fireworks are being set off, bringing all pets indoors and stabling horses. Make sure doors, windows and cat flaps are kept closed so your pet doesn’t become distressed and try to escape. If you’re setting a bonfire, always check for cats or wildlife before setting it alight.

“We’d always encourage the public to attend organised displays. If you are going to hold a private display, let your neighbours know so they can safeguard against any distress pets and farm animals may face.”

The Firework Code, details of legislation in Scotland and a list of organised events can be found on firescotland.gov.uk.

To report the misuse of fireworks anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Dispersal Zones information

Dispersal Zones for #OpCrackle have been set up across Edinburgh and will be enforceable from 3rd – 5th November.

These zones are set up to help prevent anti-social behaviour and to keep the community safe.

Additional officers will be deployed over the weekend across the city and they have the grounds to take action should people be involved in such conduct, as detailed in the below poster.

Keep yourself and others safe by attending organised events only, which can be found here:

https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/…/organised…/…

#KeepingPeopleSafe

Scottish Fire and Rescue: Edinburgh Operations Control recruitment

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is recruiting for the next generation of 999 call handlers at its Operations Control site in Edinburgh.  

The role of Firefighter Control is the first point of contact for members of the public who dial 999 to report an emergency. It’s a vital role in keeping Scotland’s communities safe and ensuring that emergency incidents are dealt with effectively and efficiently.  

Group Commander Marie Clare Coyle said: “Our Firefighter Control staff provide a vital service to Scotland’s communities. Our teams are trained to an extremely high standard to enable them to provide emergency help where required.  

“It is a varied and hugely rewarding career, we deal with a range of calls from house fires and road traffic collisions, to major incidents and severe weather-related flooding, keeping people calm in times of distress and concentrating resources where they’re most required. “

 
SFRS is recruiting for Firefighter Control staff to be based at its city-centre site in the Scottish capital, which is located adjacent to Tollcross Community Fire Station. 

Applicants for must be aged 18 or over, with the ability to work rotating shifts.  

Successful applicants will join fellow Operations Control staff upon completion of a 14-week training period – learning how to co-ordinate emergency fire and rescue response and give potentially life-saving advice. 

Group Commander Coyle, who has worked for the service for 24 years, added: “Our Edinburgh control room primarily provides a response to incidents in the East Service Delivery Area and, where required, can support our other control rooms in Johnstone and Dundee. 

“We are looking for people who are motivated, have a willingness to learn, a strong team ethic and the ability to form relationships to take up these roles on Scotland’s unseen frontline.  

“We are a team and we work collectively to respond to each, and every emergency call across Scotland.” 

Find out more about the role and apply at:

 www.firescotland.gov.uk/careers/firefighter-control/ or via My Job Scotland.

Operation Moonbeam 2023: Keeping communities and emergency services safe over Bonfire season

Police Scotland will be deploying Public Order officers in support of community policing teams throughout the Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night period.

Since 2018, specialist resources have supported local officers across the country as part of Operation Moonbeam, following significant disorder and antisocial behaviour in 2017, which saw members of the emergency services, including police officers, attacked.

In 2022, parts of the country were subjected to unacceptable levels of firework-related criminality, which caused considerable distress to communities and resulted in high-value damage to property.

In response to this, an enhanced level of Public Order resource is being deployed during Operation Moonbeam 2023 to provide further support and protection to police officers, other emergency service workers and the general public.

In October last year, new legislation was introduced under the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act This legislation makesthe proxy purchasing of fireworks for anyone under the age of 18 a criminal offence.

Those in breach of this legislation will be subject to a fine of £5,000, a six-month prison term, or both.

From this year, additional legislation under the Act has been introduced, which prohibits the carriage or use of a pyrotechnic article within a public place and allows officers to conduct stop and search activity on anyone they believe may be in possession of such items.

Operation Moonbeam was launched yesterday at a joint event in Edinburgh, alongside Crimestoppers, who launched their own campaign encouraging the public to report any intelligence they have on potential emergency service attacks, and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam, said: “The overwhelming majority of the public wish to enjoy Bonfire Night safely and responsibly, but it is a small minority who intentionally use the festivities to cause fear and alarm within our communities and commit acts of damage and violence.

“I want to make it abundantly clear that such reckless behaviour, including targeting my officers and other emergency service personnel will not be tolerated and we will use all  the powers at our disposal to bring offenders to justice.

“Last year saw an escalation in incidents in specific parts of the country and we are increasing the level of public order resource available to communities this year to deter and respond to any offences.

“The new powers we have in relation to proxy purchasing and stop and search capabilities for anyone suspected to be in possession of pyrotechnics in a public place are yet another tool at our disposal to address fireworks-related crime.

“We want Bonfire Night to be a safe and enjoyable experience for anyone who choses to participate in it and a peaceful occasion for those who don’t. Please help us achieve this by ensuring your behaviour does not put yourself or others at risk.”

Give information anonymously here:

https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously

Operation Crackle: Dispersal Zones come into effect next week

Dispersal Zones for #OpCrackle have been set up across Edinburgh and will be enforceable between 3rd November and 5th November 2023.

These zones are set up to help prevent anti-social behaviour and to keep the community safe.

Additional officers will be deployed over the weekend across the city and they have the grounds to take action should people be involved in such conduct, as detailed in the below poster.

Keep yourself and others safe by attending organised events only, which can be found here:

https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/…/organised…/…

Impact of Storm Babet assessed

Rainfall and river levels ease as Scotland continues to recover from Storm Babet

Alerts and Warnings as at 12:00 – check floodline.sepa.org.uk/floodupdates for latest situation

  • 5 regional Flood Alerts
  • 2 localised Flood Warnings
  • Rivers levels across the North and North East of Scotland remain high but will continue to improve across Sunday, with no rain forecast for the next two days.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have begun to remove regional Flood Alerts and localised Flood Warnings – though these will remain in the areas most impacted by Storm Babet as work to assist communities continues. All Severe Flood Warnings were removed late Saturday afternoon.

People are urged to stay safe and stay out of flood waters, which remain in many areas across the region, to avoid putting more pressure on recovery efforts.

Vincent Fitzsimons, SEPA’s Flood Duty Manager, said: ““The last week has been very challenging for people in Scottish communities, who have experienced another severe weather event.

“ While the weather is an improving picture today, and rivers will continue to fall throughout the day, it’s important to remember that there are still hazards caused by flood waters and it’s important not to put yourself at risk.

“SEPA are removing the majority of local Flood Warnings but regional Flood Alerts remain in force in areas like Tayside and Aberdeenshire. This reflects not only the dangers which still exist from standing flood water, and fast flowing river water, but also that there are important recovery activities underway.

“Continue to follow the advice of the emergency services. Remember that not only is flood water likely to be dirty, hazards can be hidden – so please don’t walk or drive into it. We also urge people to keep away from any riverbank and manmade waterside infrastructures which may have been affected by the severe impacts experienced.

“SEPA’s flooding staff monitor weather forecasts, river levels and flood forecasting models 24/7 throughout the year and will collate the data, feeding this back into our models so that we can continue to provide our partner agencies with the best information available to us.

“This week’s events have shown the importance of early forecasts and warnings for communities and early engagement with partners so they can target support on the ground to those communities that need it most.

“SEPA and the Met Office worked together to advise on the risk of flooding from several days in advance of this event. While early information won’t stop it flooding, it does mean you have time to take action to prepare, so if you haven’t already signed up to Floodline to receive free Flood Alerts and Warnings directly to your phone, do it now – don’t wait until the next flood event to take action.”

SEPA continues to work with the Met Office to monitor the situation 24/7. As well as live information at Flood Updates, people can check the three-day Scottish Flood Forecast to see what conditions are expected.

The Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGoRR) met last night to discuss the exceptional levels of rain in parts of Scotland this weekend. The meeting was chaired by the Justice Secretary Angela Constance.

Resilience Partners include: Regional Resilience Partnerships for the three regions of Scotland; the Met Office; Scottish Water; Scottish Gas Networks; SSEN; and Scottish Power Energy Networks.

The Met Office Red Warning that was in place in parts of Scotland has now been lifted. Amber and yellow warnings are still in force throughout the coming hours with some impacts possible.

Parts of Scotland are still in the midst of dealing with severe flooding impacts and some rivers remain at hazardous levels. There are still Flood Alerts and Warnings in force so people are asked to remain vigilant.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “Storm Babet’s exceptional level of rain has severely impacted parts of Scotland. Tragically, the storm has led to lives being lost and I send my sincere condolences to the families affected.

“While the Red warning has now passed, rain does continue to fall and I urge people in areas with amber and yellow weather warnings to continue to follow advice from emergency services and local authorities.

“Our priority remains to keep the public safe and I want to thank all those who have worked tirelessly, in very challenging conditions, to respond to this exceptional weather event.

“The storm has caused significant damage and while flooding is still occurring, it is not expected to be as serious as over the last 24 hours. The impact, however, will be felt in communities for some time to come.

“While many local authorities are still responding to the immediate impacts of the storm, thoughts are now turning to recovery. Over the coming days and weeks, we will stay in close contact with local authorities to support the people and businesses affected.”

Assistant Chief Constable of Police Scotland Stuart Houston said: “We are seeing an improving weather picture, but conditions remain extremely challenging, particularly in the worst affected areas in Tayside.

“A number of roads remain closed due to flooding, while driving conditions on others are extremely hazardous due to surface water.

“I would urge drivers to follow travel advice, prepare for potential disruption and allow extra time for journeys. People should consider if travel in the worst affected areas is essential or if journeys can be delayed until conditions improve further.

“It is also vital that people stay away from flooded areas as these remain highly dangerous due to the extreme conditions of the last few days.”

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) issues regional flood alerts and local flood warnings for Scotland. View the latest updates on their website.

Updates on ScotRail services and road conditions are available online.

Advice on preparing for severe weather can be found on the Ready Scotland website. 

Storm Babet: It’s not over yet

Significant storm impacts to continue this weekend

The Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGoRR) met last night as more exceptional levels of rain were expected to hit parts of the country this weekend, causing further disruption and challenging conditions.

The meeting was chaired by the First Minister after a further high level Red Warning was issued by the Met Office for parts of Angus and Aberdeenshire from 00:01 to 23:59 Saturday.

People are urged not to travel and to stay at home in the affected areas, unless advised to relocate to a rest centre, with ‘exceptional’ levels of rain likely to result in significant disruption and danger to life. 

Amber warnings for rain will be in place for Easter Ross, Caithness and Sutherland on Saturday. In these Amber areas it is being advised people should avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has reported that record water levels have now been recorded at a number of its gaugeing stations, and that five Severe Flood Warnings are currently in place, as well as 11 regional Flood Alerts, and 16 local Flood Warning.

First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “Storm Babet has now, tragically, claimed lives, and my deepest condolences go out to the families of those who have lost loved ones in tragic circumstances.

“I want to pay tribute to everyone across the multi-agency response to Storm Babet who continue to operate, often in incredibly difficult conditions to keep the people of Scotland safe.

“Unfortunately, it is clear we have not seen the last of this storm. Around half the average monthly rainfall for October is expected to fall through tonight and tomorrow in areas that have already been severely affected by exceptional levels of rainfall.

“It was always expected that the impacts of the storm would continue even once the most severe aspects of the storm itself had subsided, but a new Red Weather alert makes the ongoing severity of this situation clear. My very clear message to those covered by the Red Warning remains: please stay at home and do not travel, unless advised to relocate to a rest centre.

“A number of Amber and Yellow Weather Warnings meanwhile remain in place throughout many parts of the rest of the country. I urge everyone, however difficult this might feel over the weekend – particularly sports fans – to keep following the latest advice in order to keep you, and your families, safe.”

Assistant Chief Constable of Police Scotland Stuart Houston said: “We are dealing with exceptional weather conditions which have been extremely challenging for all involved.

“With the red warning being extended until midnight Saturday, this remains a dangerous situation which poses a threat to life.

“We are working hard with a range of multi-agency partners to support communities and those who need our help. Communities in Tayside are dealing with some of the most difficult conditions they have faced, with a number of road closures in place due to hazardous conditions and evacuations continuing of those affected by flooding.

“I would like to thank the public for their co-operation and for sticking to the travel advice in place to keep people safe and would again urge people to continue to follow the advice and listen to media broadcast, including radio, for updates. Follow your local authority for the latest updates in your area as well as police, the Met Office website and Traffic Scotland.

“Our advice is to avoid any form of travel in areas covered by the red weather warning – we are dealing with significant flooding issues, which pose a threat to life.”

Pascal Lardet, SEPA Flood Duty Manager, said:  “These are very difficult days for communities in Scotland who are experiencing flooding, in some cases for the second time in a month. There is more rain to come, and SEPA staff are working around the clock to provide vital information to partners and the public.  

“We started issuing Regional Flood Alerts on Tuesday to provide early awareness and help people prepare, and these are being updated as required. We continue to monitor river levels and issue localised Flood Warnings as required.

“However, it is important to stress that not all areas that could be affected have Flood Warning schemes, so please do take a Flood Alert in your area as advance notice that you could be affected.”

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) issues regional flood alerts and local flood warnings for Scotland. View the latest updates on their website.

Updates on ScotRail services and road conditions are available online.

Advice on preparing for severe weather can be found on the Ready Scotland website. 

Operation Crackle: Follow the Fireworks Code

We are working together with partners such as Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and The City of Edinburgh Council to educate and keep everyone safe in the lead-up to bonfire night.

Where possible, attend an organised display. It is safer and will be far more impressive to look at.

#OpCrackle

We are reminding people of the dangers of fireworks as we approach Bonfire Night. Check the Fireworks Code and get essential tips on staying safe.

Downloadable leaflet: https://rb.gy/cu5jn

Web: https://firescotland.gov.uk/outdoors/fireworks-and-bonfires/firework-safety/