Four individuals have confessed to their involvement in a firebombing incident targeting the home of an Edinburgh businessman, marking a troubling chapter in an ongoing gang conflict. Tyler Ramage, 19, Robert Thomson, 18, Kenzie Gardner, 19, and Kieran Abercrombie, 32, were charged with setting ablaze a Land Rover and an Audi parked outside the residence of David McMillan, an associate of imprisoned drug dealer Mark Richardson. The incident occurred on 8 May last year in Pitcairn Grove.
Details of the Attack
In addition to the attack on McMillan’s property, all four men admitted to igniting a fire at a private hire taxi firm in Glasgow earlier the same day. Notably, Thomson, Gardner, and Abercrombie faced additional charges related to conspiring to damage vehicles at a different location in Edinburgh. The severity of their actions was underscored by Lord Mulholland at the High Court in Edinburgh, who described their conduct as “sheer naked gangsterism.” As a result, the men were remanded in custody, with a sentencing hearing scheduled for 10 March.
Operation Portaledge and Its Implications
The arrests were made as part of Operation Portaledge, a police initiative launched to address a surge in violent incidents linked to gang rivalries, which began attracting media attention in March of last year. This operation has seen over 60 arrests, reflecting the extensive nature of the gang-related turmoil. The feud has not only resulted in property damage but has also led to assaults and shootings across both Edinburgh and Glasgow, intensifying the atmosphere of fear within these communities.
The conflict is said to have originated from a Scottish man operating in Dubai, who allegedly targeted Mark Richardson’s crime group. This confrontation has escalated into a wider rivalry between the Daniel and Lyons families, two factions entrenched in violent disputes for more than two decades. As the violence raged through Glasgow and Edinburgh, it has recently appeared to subside, though tensions remain palpable.
Noteworthy Developments
The feud’s impact has been felt beyond Scotland’s borders, with significant events including the recent murders of prominent Lyons crime figures, Eddie Lyons Jnr and Ross Monaghan, in Spain on 31 May 2025. While Police Scotland has stated there is no evidence linking these deaths to the ongoing feud, conflicting statements from a senior Spanish officer have cast doubt on this assertion.
In the past year, several high-profile gang members have been apprehended in Dubai but have since been released, highlighting the complexities and international dimensions of the gangland activities.
Why it Matters
The rise in gang-related violence in Scotland poses a significant threat to public safety and community stability. As law enforcement agencies grapple with the challenges presented by organised crime, the ongoing feud underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to combat gang influence and restore peace in affected areas. The consequences of such violence extend beyond the immediate victims, impacting families, communities, and the overall social fabric of Scotland.
