Police officers to be based at fire stations in the west of Scotland ahead of Bonfire Night

Police Scotland have said they will take “robust action” against anyone causing trouble on Bonfire Night in what is expected to be one of the busiest nights of the year.

It comes after the force received more than 830 reports of disorder over a few days last year – a drop of almost 40% on the previous year.

Police Scotland has drafted in officers from England and Wales to assist policing efforts on Bonfire Night.

These include public order officers from Avon & Somerset, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Cheshire, Cumbria, Derbyshire, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Lancashire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, Kent, North Yorkshire, North Wales, West Mercia, Staffordshire, and South Wales Police.

The force revealed on Tuesday that 20 officers will also be based at ten fire stations across Glasgow, East Dunbartonshire and East Renfrewshire to provide support on November 5.

Police Scotland said the operation would be the largest deployment of officers since US President Donald Trump visited Aberdeenshire in 2025.

Working alongside the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), the force has said it “absolutely” has enough resources to tackle firework-related crime and anti-social behaviour across the region this year.

A large police force is being deployed to tackle firework related disorder STV News

“From a Police Scotland perspective, there has been extensive planning that has taken place in the lead-up to November 5, and I can give that assurance that we have a proportionate policing plan put in place, and we have worked alongside our partners to deliver an effective response,” operations superintendent Ross Aitken said.

“There are four firework control zones that have been implemented within Glasgow, and we have resources placed in those areas as we speak just now.

“There will also be a dispersal zone in the Pollokshields area of Glasgow, and again, that will have a commensurate policing response to it as well.”

In addition to Bonfire Night celebrations, Glasgow will also host a UEFA Europa League match at Celtic Park on Thursday, where Celtic will take on Besiktas.

Pollokshields is one of the areas placed under a 'firework control zone' — Pollokshields is one of the areas placed under a ‘firework control zone’ STV News

Overall disorder on November 5 has declined in the last couple of years, however some areas reported issues with fireworks during the Halloween period.

Firework control zones are in place in parts of Glasgow and Edinburgh, banning the use of fireworks and sparklers in private spaces, such as gardens.

The decision on where to base officers was informed by regular dialogue with SFRS and local calls and intelligence.

SFRS area commander and head of preparedness, Mark Cleland, said Bonfire Night is always a “significant night” for the fire service, but added that crews are ready.

Last year, he said the fire service took 750 calls at control rooms on Bonfire Night and attended more than 250 bonfires.

Mr Cleland said: “For the public and the communities out there, I would say enjoy the night, but please be safe. What we would recommend is for people to attend an organised event if they can.

“For those that are planning on causing antisocial behaviour or disruption, then Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have a zero tolerance approach to any abuse to our staff, and we will work closely with our partners from police to ensure that doesn’t take place.”