Home / Crime and Justice / Bothwell's 'Rotten Teeth': Decade of Arson Plagues Affluent Town
Bothwell's 'Rotten Teeth': Decade of Arson Plagues Affluent Town
17 Feb
Summary
- Bothwell, an affluent town near Glasgow, is experiencing a decade-long arson crisis.
- Since 2021, 27 fire-raising incidents have occurred, targeting businesses and vehicles.
- Only one suspect has been identified, leading to no prosecutions and widespread unease.
Bothwell, an affluent commuter town southeast of Glasgow, is marred by a series of targeted arson attacks that have plagued the community for at least a decade. Since 2021, Police Scotland recorded 27 incidents of fire-raising, affecting businesses, vehicles, and residences, leading to Bothwell being dubbed the 'firebomb capital of the UK.'
Despite the numerous incidents, only one suspect has been identified for a single fire, with no prosecutions to date. These attacks have reportedly driven at least two businesses out of the area, with speculation pointing towards gangland activity. Recent events include cars torched in January 2026 and premises on Main Street set alight in autumn 2025.
The community, home to about 6,000 people, experiences a palpable sense of unease. While some business owners, like Vincent Marini, claim to have been targeted for defying criminal elements, others, such as Hugh O'Donnell, whose family previously ran restaurants on Main Street, deny knowledge of those behind the attacks.
Residents express frustration over the environmental impact on their conservation area and a perceived failure by the local council to address the situation effectively. Police Scotland states that investigations are ongoing, and while they believe the fires are targeted, they have found no link between the January car fires and the autumn attacks, highlighting the complex nature of the crimes.
Graeme Pearson, a former director general of the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency, suggests that such tactics are increasingly used by organized crime, often employing individuals with substance abuse issues who are several steps removed from the main instigators. The phenomenon of criminals relocating from major cities to surrounding towns is also noted as a factor.
Despite the ongoing issues, there are signs of optimism, with plans for CCTV installation on Main Street and a renewed focus from the council to improve the area's appearance, aiming to restore a sense of normalcy to the community.
