Businessman’s Home Firebombed Amidst Escalating Gang War on Tragic Anniversary

In a chilling reminder of the ongoing gang wars engulfing the country, a prominent businessman’s luxury home in Edinburgh was firebombed early Thursday morning. David McMillan, whose £1.75m residence in Morningside was deliberately attacked while his children slept upstairs, finds himself at the center of a feud that has intensified in recent months. The incident, which occurred precisely six years after the murder of his close friend Bradley Welsh, adds another layer to an already volatile underworld battle. The feud appears to pivot around Edinburgh drugs kingpin Mark Richardson and includes a series of violent reprisals such as drive-by shootings, online threats, and previous firebombings. Sources such as the Daily Record emphasize the brutality of the attack, noting that the perpetrators brazenly disregarded the presence of children and women in the home. Further compounding the tension is the background of the conflict, which involves a vanished £500k cocaine stash and links to a Glasgow crime figure turned Dubai-based businessman believed to be orchestrating these violent reprisals. For context, Mr McMillan has been targeted before; a machete attack a month prior, allegedly involving Sean Orman—who has since been convicted for attempted murder in connection with a previous assault—has etched deep scars into his sense of security. His testimony at the High Court, where he described Welsh as a 'very, very close family friend,' underscores the personal nature of his vendetta against those he holds responsible for this spiraling violence. The incident was swiftly responded to by Police Scotland, with authorities confirming that the fire was contained by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and no one was injured, despite the inherent dangers of the attack. This report, reminiscent of sensational tabloid storytelling, uses intensely charged language and highly specific details that emphasize both the violence of the act and its symbolic timing. The narrative is underscored by a mixture of first-hand court testimonies, police statements, and visual footage shared online. While the detailed recounting delivers a gripping narrative, there is an inherent risk of amplifying the fear and drama associated with gang conflicts. As subscribers, it is important to note that while the facts are reported, the selection and emphasis of details are tailored to capture reader attention. This kind of reporting, common in sources like the Scottish Daily Express and Daily Record, can contribute to a heightened perception of imminent danger and unchecked criminality, potentially overshadowing broader social and systemic issues. In analyzing this piece, the interplay between documented judicial proceedings and the dramatic recounting of violent events reflects an attempt to blend hard news with a narrative that is meant to evoke an emotional response. It is a reminder of the complex dynamics in areas affected by organized crime, where personal tragedy and public spectacle intersect. The use of anniversary dates and specifics about familial relationships further personalizes the conflict, making it a potent, if unsettling, story for the general public.