THE Scottish Fire and Rescue Service received 1,025 calls during an eight-hour period this Bonfire Night with Operations Control staff mobilising crews to 356 bonfires. 

No figures are available at this time for the Scottish Borders however in the East Service Delivery Area which covers the region 252 calls were received,  89 bonfires were attended and two attacks on crews were reported.

November 5 is typically one of the busiest nights of the year for firefighters.

Five attacks on crews were recorded, however no injuries have been reported at this time.

Assistant Chief Officer David Farries is director of service delivery for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

He said: “It’s been another busy and challenging evening for our crews and Operations Control staff around Scotland and I thank them for their dedication.

“We are disappointed to report five attacks on our firefighters. In the run up to Bonfire Night, we had spoken out about this kind of unacceptable behaviour by a small minority which sadly happens year after year.

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

“Crews only attend bonfire related incidents when people contact us about concerns over public safety and we extinguish fires that are unsafe.

“We put a huge amount of planning and preparation into this evening with local partners and other emergency services as we work together to protect communities, which is always our top priority.”

Police Scotland confirmed on Sunday that 12 arrests had been made following a weekend of firework related unrest.

Officers were treated in hospital for a head injury and glass in an eye after their vehicle was attacked by youths in Sighthill, Edinburgh.

It is understood other officers had fireworks and petrol bombs thrown at them, while five firefighters were injured as police received 483 Bonfire Night related calls on November 5.

Elena Whitham, who took up the role of Minister for Community Safety last week, praised the efforts of emergency services who bore the brunt of the attacks.

During the Scottish Parliament’s topical questions on Tuesday, Ms Whitham was asked for her thoughts on the events.

She said: “The disorder and thuggery that occurred on and around Bonfire Night, involving not just fireworks and pyrotechnics, but also bricks and even petrol bombs, were sickening.

“I give my heartfelt thanks for our emergency services for their dedication and their bravery and working in appalling situations to keep our communities as safe as possible.

“I welcome the fact that Police Scotland have made clear that investigations are ongoing and that they aim to bring culprits to justice.

“I urge any member of the public with relevant information to get in touch with the police, either directly or anonymously through Crimestoppers.”