Bothwell's Arson Crisis: The Affluent Town Plagued by Unsolved Firebomb Attacks
In early January 2026, two cars were torched in a residential area of Bothwell, a prosperous commuter town on the banks of the River Clyde, half an hour south-east of Glasgow. This incident marked the latest in a series of targeted arson attacks that have plagued this affluent community for at least a decade, earning it the grim nickname of the UK's 'firebomb capital'.
A Town of Contrasts: Prosperity and Destruction
Bothwell is renowned for its medieval castle, annual scarecrow festival, and Victorian villas that sell for millions to TV personalities, footballers, and entrepreneurs. Its Main Street, a designated conservation area, boasts glorious floral displays and independent boutiques. However, this idyllic image is marred by gap sites and burned-out buildings, described by residents as 'rotten teeth in an otherwise perfect smile'.
Data from Police Scotland, secured by the Daily Record in late 2025, reveals 27 incidents of fire-raising in Bothwell since 2021, affecting restaurants, vehicles, and private residences. Despite this, only one suspect has been tracked down for a single fire, with no prosecutions to date. At least two businesses have been driven out of the area, with neighbours speculating about targeted gangland attacks.
Targeted Attacks and Community Fear
Last autumn, two Main Street premises were set on fire just a month apart. The former Nel & Co bistro and The Cut steakhouse remain damaged, with the latter sitting empty behind fire service cordon tape. Between them lies an overgrown site where Da Luciano restaurant stood until its demolition in 2023 after two devastating firebomb attacks.
Residents are reluctant to speak openly, but some, on condition of anonymity, express unease and dread. 'It's dangerous and only luck that nobody has been hurt or killed yet,' says one person. Another points out that all three affected eating places were owned or run by Hugh O'Donnell or his family. O'Donnell, jailed in 2006 for running a brothel in Glasgow, has denied knowledge of the attacks, stating he seeks a 'quiet life' as a pensioner.
Broader Impact and Council Response
Other victims include Vincent Marini, whose restaurant San Vincenzo was gutted in a late-night blaze. Marini claimed he was targeted for defying 'a major Scottish crime family' and has since moved away. Many fire victims, including successful businessmen with torched expensive cars, refuse to discuss their ordeals, highlighting the intimidation at play.
Community frustration is directed at South Lanarkshire council for perceived inaction. 'I'd like to hear less about the fires and more about how the council can help local businesses move through this,' says a boutique owner. Conservative councillor Kenny McCreary notes heated community meetings, with residents demanding solutions. The council is exploring CCTV installation on Main Street as a deterrent.
Historical Context and Criminal Trends
Graeme Pearson, former director general of the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency, explains that fire-raising as an intimidation tactic has grown over the past decade. He describes how criminals may use intermediaries, such as individuals with addictions, to carry out attacks, making detection difficult. Pearson also notes a trend of criminals relocating from cities like Glasgow to suburbs like Bothwell, driven by wealth from drugs and organised crime.
Community Resilience and Hope
Despite the challenges, groups like Brighter Bothwell, led by Marjory Robertson, work to improve the town's environment, earning Beautiful Scotland gold awards. Robertson emphasises that local feeling is more frustration than fear, with many residents actively volunteering. 'Bothwell is still the safest place in Scotland,' asserts one shopkeeper, reflecting cautious optimism as spring brings new growth to Main Street.
Police Scotland has stated that the fires are targeted, with no wider risk to the public, but investigations remain ongoing. As Bothwell grapples with its unsolved arson crisis, the community's call for normalcy and safety grows louder, underscoring the urgent need for resolution and support.
