Firefighters have been attacked while dealing with more than 500 bonfires on one of their busiest nights of the year.
Initial figures indicate that Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) crews responded to approximately 511 bonfires across the country between 3.30pm and 11.30pm on Thursday.
There were 12 reported attacks on crews, however no injuries have been reported.
Meanwhile, the fire service control room handled more than 1100 calls from members of the public.
With public events cancelled amid continuing Covid-19 restrictions, the SFRS had appealed to the public to be aware of the dangers of both fireworks and deliberate fire-setting and to also consider the impact of their actions on communities and emergency services.
Condemning attacks on emergency service workers, assistant chief officer Stuart Stevens said: “Attacks on emergency service workers are completely unacceptable.
“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 must escort us at the scene.
“This type of behaviour is, of course, carried out by a very small minority and we once again thank our communities for their continuing support and working together with us to stay safe.”
‘Attacks on emergency service workers are completely unacceptable.’
Stuart Stevens, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
A house in Motherwell was set on fire after being hit by a stray firework.
The fire service were called to Corrie Drive just before 8pm on Thursday with crews still at the scene on Friday morning.
In Edinburgh, SFRS received 32 calls reporting a blaze on Arthur’s Seat just before midnight.
Three appliances were sent to the scene where around 40 square metres of gorse were on fire.
Crews handed the scene over to park rangers at 1.23am and left the scene, with no reports of any casualties.
In Greenock, a large crowd of people gathered for a bonfire on Auchmead Road. Loud music was played as fireworks were set off.
The nearby St Andrew’s Church posted on social media: “Hundreds have gathered for fireworks and are using the church wall as a public toilet.
“Fr. Danny has tried to keep them out but has just been advised by the police, for his own safety, to stay inside.
“Both fire service and police have had bottles thrown at them.”
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