A man has been sentenced to over seven years in prison for his role in a firebombing incident that marked the beginning of a violent gang feud in Scotland. Logan Carlin, 24, pleaded guilty to launching a petrol bomb through the window of the Belle Cheveux salon in Leith, Edinburgh, in March 2025. This act of arson was reportedly a retaliatory measure linked to ongoing rivalries between organised crime groups.
Details of the Attack
Carlin’s attack on the beauty salon, which is partly owned by the partner of convicted drug dealer Mark Richardson, was the first in a series of violent incidents that would escalate throughout the region. The High Court in Edinburgh heard that the salon fire was not an isolated event; just ten days later, Carlin was involved in setting ablaze a garage on Milton Street. During his court appearance via video link from HMP Saughton, Carlin admitted to both charges, reflecting the serious nature of his actions.
Judge Lord Summers expressed grave concern over the implications of Carlin’s crimes, noting the potential danger to residents living above the salon. “Had that fire taken hold, the residents in the properties above would have been in mortal danger,” he stated, highlighting the reckless endangerment posed by gang-related violence.
The Broader Gangland Feud
The firebombing is part of a larger conflict that has seen extensive violence across Scotland, particularly between factions in the east and west of the country. Law enforcement agencies, through Operation Portaledge, have arrested 62 individuals in connection with various violent incidents tied to this feud. The discord has been characterised by assaults, shootings, and multiple firebomb attacks, demonstrating a concerning trend in gang-related activities.
This feud reportedly began when a Scottish national, operating from Dubai, targeted Richardson’s crime group, igniting tensions that have persisted for over two decades. The rivalry between the Daniel and Lyons families has deep roots, yet the recent spate of violence has intensified, affecting communities far beyond the initial conflict zones.
Recent Developments and Implications
Despite the turbulence of the past year, including the shocking murders of Lyons crime figures Eddie Lyons Jnr and Ross Monaghan in Spain, police maintain that there is no evidence linking the double homicide to the ongoing feud. Additionally, several high-profile gang members arrested in Dubai last September have since been released, raising questions about the effectiveness of international law enforcement collaboration in tackling organised crime.
The firebombing incidents, alongside the gang feud, have raised alarm among community leaders and residents alike, highlighting the urgent need for a proactive approach to public safety and crime prevention in Scotland.
Why it Matters
The sentencing of Logan Carlin serves as a stark reminder of the escalating violence associated with organised crime in Scotland. As communities grapple with the fallout from gangland feuds, the implications for public safety are profound. This case underscores the necessity for robust law enforcement strategies and community engagement to combat the roots of crime and restore safety to affected areas. The ongoing challenges posed by such feuds demand a concerted effort from authorities to ensure that residents can feel secure in their own neighbourhoods.
