Police Scotland has promised extra resources to tackle potential Bonfire Night disorder this year, launching a dedicated public order operation across the country to keep communities safe during the Halloween and Guy Fawkes night period.
Operation Moonbeam 2026 was launched on Wednesday, allowing local policing divisions to call on specially trained officers to respond to violence and disorder throughout Halloween weekend and in the run-up to November 5. The operation was first launched in 2017 following significant fireworks-related crime, when an Edinburgh officer was seriously injured after being struck by a firework.
Previous Incidents and Injuries
In 2023, 62 officers were injured during violence aimed at emergency services. Just last week, a sell-out Clydebank v Dumbarton football match was halted after fireworks landed on the pitch, prompting a stern warning from local police who feared Bonfire Night antics were already ramping up.
Chief Superintendent David Robertson issued a stark warning as the 2026 operation launched. He said: "I was encouraged by the reduction in serious offending in 2025 [but] some areas still experienced unacceptable criminality. Emergency service workers were again targeted with fireworks, bricks and other projectiles as they carried out their duties. This cannot and will not be tolerated. The criminal use of fireworks has very real consequences. There is potential for serious injury or death when fireworks are used as weapons."
Reduction in Calls and Seizures
Serious disorder fell in 2024, but riots still erupted in several parts of the country, including Edinburgh, with fireworks used to attack emergency service personnel, public transport and shops. Cars and buildings were set on fire as police, firefighters and paramedics were bombarded with pyrotechnics in towns and cities in recent years.
In 2025, the force recorded a 47 per cent reduction in fireworks-related emergency calls compared to the previous year. Officers seized more than two tonnes of illegal fireworks from communities last year before they could be used in violence, and identified those intent on causing upheaval.
Measures for 2026
This year, police promise body-worn video and CCTV footage will be used to bring troublemakers to justice. Firework Control Zones and Dispersal Zones will be in place in some areas, and Dispersal Orders could be enforced.
Kirsten Oswald MSP, Community Safe Minister, said: "Misuse of fireworks which puts our communities and emergency services at risk simply cannot be tolerated. Action will be taken against anyone who breaks the law. Measures have been introduced to improve firework safety - a ban on providing fireworks to under-18s and making attacks on emergency workers using fireworks an aggravating factor that courts can take into account during sentencing. Local authorities have powers to designate firework control zones, which will be in place this year."
