The violent gangland war that plagued Scotland for months has concluded, with police attributing the end of hostilities to a "resolution of differences" between rival factions, according to Chief Constable Jo Farrell. The conflict, characterized by a surge in murder attempts, shootings, and petrol bombings, saw a significant downturn in activity following extensive police intervention.
Operation Portaledge was initiated in March 2025 in response to a wave of violence involving serious organized crime groups. The ensuing six-month period witnessed approximately 84 incidents. Police efforts, including 64 arrests and the seizure of seven firearms, helped to de-escalate the situation. However, a brief resurgence of violence at the start of 2026 led to further police action, resulting in 10 additional incidents and five arrests so far.
Farrell, in an update to the Scottish Police Authority, stated that the cessation of the gang war was multifactorial, with the resolution of internal conflicts within organized crime playing a key role, alongside the impact of police disruption and detection operations. The report noted that high-profile arrests are believed to have weakened prominent gangs.
Steven Lyons, identified as the head of the Lyons gang, is currently in custody. He was apprehended in Bali in March, subsequently deported to the Netherlands, and then extradited to Spain. The Daniel crime gang, a long-standing rival of the Lyons family, was among those targeted during Operation Portaledge.
A property on Edinburgh's Hay Drive was identified as one of the initial locations targeted in the gang feud.
Former Police Scotland superintendent Martin Gallagher commented that the situation appears to be stabilizing following the disruption of the Lyons group's leadership. He noted that future developments would depend on the hierarchy that emerges and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement.