Edinburgh Police Deploy Helicopter and Diversions to Tackle Bonfire Night Disorder

Police Scotland’s High-Tech Response to Bonfire Night Turmoil

Each November, Edinburgh’s Bonfire Night brings a mix of tradition and tension. This year, the city saw an unprecedented police operation, as authorities wrestled with years of escalating anti-social behavior, fireworks misuse, and public disorder. The scale of the response was clear: a police helicopter soared over the city’s neighborhoods, its thermal camera capturing the bustle below, while officers on the ground coordinated with aerial support to pinpoint potential hotspots.

Police Scotland released footage from their helicopter, showing groups of residents scattered across city streets. The bright figures on the screen—white silhouettes moving through the darkness—were watched closely by officers. Communication between ground teams and the air support unit proved crucial, allowing authorities to identify groups of masked individuals and intervene before situations escalated.

Bus Diversions and Section 60 Powers: Keeping the City Moving and Safe

The impact of the disorder rippled through Edinburgh’s daily life. By early evening, bus services were already feeling the strain. At 7:20pm, Lothian Buses announced that service 21 could no longer serve Calder Road and Broomhouse Road due to anti-social behavior, diverting vehicles via Bankhead Avenue and Bankhead Drive. Similar issues affected routes in West Lothian, with Ash Grove and Elm Grove temporarily bypassed in favor of safer alternatives.

For passengers, these diversions were more than a logistical inconvenience—they were a sign of the underlying tension. Residents in Bingham and Niddrie reported seeing clusters of police vans parked strategically, officers preparing for potential flashpoints. Patrols along Niddrie Mains Road underscored the seriousness of the operation, with police granted expanded powers to stop and search both people and vehicles from 3pm onward under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.

Operation Moonbeam: A Multi-Agency Effort Against Firework Offenses

At the heart of the response was Operation Moonbeam, a campaign launched in 2018 to counter serious disorder during Bonfire Night. Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Gold Commander for the operation, reflected on past successes and ongoing challenges. “Last year, following Bonfire Night, I reflected on what was a successful policing operation that saw a reduction in serious disorder offences and a dramatic reduction in the number of officers injured,” he said. Yet, despite progress, some areas of Edinburgh and Glasgow experienced “unacceptable levels of violence and disorder,” leaving communities unsettled and prompting immediate criminal investigations.

This year, police dedicated more resources than ever, leveraging technology, ground patrols, and community outreach. Over 60 individuals were reported for fireworks-related offenses in 2024, and the commitment to pursue offenders remained unwavering. “If you choose to create fear in your community, and if you choose to attack those who are deployed to keep people safe, you will face justice,” Mairs stated. The operation aimed to use every available tactic—helicopters, expanded powers, and coordination with emergency services—to protect both the public and police personnel.

Community Impact and Calls for Cooperation

For local residents, the heightened police presence was both reassuring and a reminder of the risks associated with Bonfire Night. The sight of helicopters circling overhead and officers patrolling familiar streets sent a clear message: authorities were taking the threat seriously. Yet, the disruption to daily routines—diverted buses, increased stop-and-search encounters—highlighted the delicate balance between public safety and community life.

Police Scotland, alongside Lothian Buses and local councils, encouraged residents to report suspicious activity and cooperate with officers. They emphasized the importance of keeping the celebration safe for everyone, warning that any attempt to “conceal identity” or engage in anti-social behavior would be met with firm action. The campaign also promised to share stories from officers, transport workers, and affected communities, illustrating the real impact of firework-related violence and the collective effort to prevent it.

Looking Ahead: Lessons from Bonfire Night

As Bonfire Night drew to a close, the city’s response offered both caution and hope. While the operation reduced the number of serious incidents and injuries among police, the need for vigilance remained. The collaboration between ground units and aerial surveillance marked a new era in crowd management and public safety, demonstrating how technology and community engagement can help navigate complex challenges.

Residents are urged to continue supporting police efforts and to view Bonfire Night not just as a tradition, but as a shared responsibility. The events of this year serve as a reminder that public celebrations require planning, cooperation, and respect for both law enforcement and community members.

Edinburgh’s Bonfire Night operation exemplifies the evolving relationship between tradition and public safety. By combining technology, tactical policing, and community outreach, authorities managed to contain unrest and protect residents, yet the persistent need for vigilance underscores the importance of ongoing collaboration among all stakeholders.