Fresh figures reveal assaults and threats at Scotland’s bus stations have jumped dramatically, raising concerns about youth violence and how the Scottish Government plans to get a grip on it before more lives are put at risk.
Glasgow Sees Sharpest Rise
Glasgow’s Buchanan Bus Station has become the epicentre for this worrying trend.
In just a year, police call outs for assaults there rose by a staggering 85% — from 20 in 2023-24 to 37 in 2024-25.
One line: Threats also went up by half in the city.
The numbers were obtained by the Scottish Conservatives through freedom of information laws. And they paint an unsettling picture: people waiting for buses are now facing a level of anti-social behaviour that’s impossible to ignore.
Dundee and Dunfermline Not Far Behind
The trouble isn’t limited to Glasgow. Dundee Bus Station saw assaults triple — up by 300% — with police called out to eight incidents last year, compared to just two the year before.
One-sentence para: Dunfermline wasn’t spared either.
There, reported assaults more than doubled, from three to seven, marking a 133% rise.
Smaller city stations like Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Inverness held steady, but the worry is that these stats don’t include bus stations in smaller towns where problems often go unreported.
Pressure on Swinney to Act Faster
The sharp rise in violence comes as First Minister John Swinney faces pressure to act.
He’s already said the government is working on a system that could strip under-22s of their free bus passes if they repeatedly offend. But many argue progress is painfully slow.
One short line: “Bus drivers and passengers are being left at the mercy of violent offenders,” warns Scottish Tory justice spokesman Liam Kerr.
Last year’s shocking killing of bus driver Keith Rollinson, who died after being attacked by a 15-year-old boy in Elgin, is a tragic reminder of what can happen when trouble spirals.
The Numbers at a Glance
Here’s a snapshot of what Police Scotland’s stats show for 2024-25 compared to the year before:
| City | 2023-24 Assaults | 2024-25 Assaults | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glasgow | 20 | 37 | +85% |
| Dundee | 2 | 8 | +300% |
| Dunfermline | 3 | 7 | +133% |
| Aberdeen | 3 | 3 | 0% |
| Edinburgh | 4 | 4 | 0% |
| Inverness | 3 | 3 | 0% |
| Perth | 2 | 3 | +50% |
One-sentence para: Threats rose too, especially in Glasgow, while only Perth saw a slight drop in threat call outs.
More Youths at Risk of Losing Free Travel
With stats climbing, the Scottish Government’s free bus pass scheme for under-22s is under the spotlight.
Supporters say it’s vital to help young people get around affordably, but critics argue repeat troublemakers shouldn’t benefit.
One-liner: Swinney’s pledge to link violent behaviour with travel privileges is seen as a start — but many want faster action.
The reality is these numbers only scratch the surface. Anti-social behaviour on buses and at stations often goes unreported, and staff say they’re tired of being punched, threatened or spat on while simply doing their jobs.
