A spike in the number of deliberate fires in East Renfrewshire has been linked to warm weather and school holidays.

Fire chiefs told East Renfrewshire councillors that 72 deliberate blazes were recorded between April and the end of June — up from 43 in the same period last year.

They said, over the last four years, the overall trend has been downwards, but with “occasional spikes which are predominantly weather related or during school breaks”.

The fire service has been carrying out engagement sessions in schools in an effort to reduce fire-related anti-social behaviour.

Figures, reported to the council, for the first quarter of 2025/26 showed the majority of the fires were either grass or woodland (43) or refuse (19).

Alan Coughtrie, group commander for East Renfrewshire at Scotti

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