John Swinney raised fears over a lone wolf terror attack in Scotland

By GRAHAM GRANT, SCOTTISH HOME AFFAIRS EDITOR Published: 20:17, 13 August 2026 | Updated: 20:27, 13 August 2026 Fears of a surprise ‘lone wolf’ terror attack in Scotland were voiced by John Swinney in talks with police chiefs, according to newly released official papers. The First Minister raised concern about ‘lone-actor threats’ emerging ‘without prior intelligence’, during discussions with Scotland’s top police officers and ministers. The summit came just 48 hours after two Jewish men were stabbed in a terrorist attack in Golders Green in London, fuelling fears over the rise of anti-Semitism. Mr Swinney spoke of his fears that Scotland could face a devastating ‘lone actor’ atrocity with little or no warning. The Crown Prosecution Service authorised three charges of attempted murder against a 45-year-old man after two men were stabbed in Golders Green, on April 29, and another man was attacked on the same day in a different location. The discussion between Mr Swinney and police chiefs about the terror threat took place on May 1 as ministers grappled with the fallout from the Golders Green stabbings, which had shocked Britain’s Jewish community and triggered a major counter-terrorism investigation. At the meeting, attended by police chiefs and senior ministers, officials looked at the implications of an increased security threat and growing fears among Jewish communities. Scottish Government minutes showed Mr Swinney referenced ‘recent incidents in Golders Green’ as he questioned police about the danger posed by lone actors capable of launching attacks before coming to the attention of the authorities. John Swinney raised concerns about ‘lone-actor threats’ emerging ‘without prior intelligence’, during discussions with Scotland’s top police officers and ministers. The papers reveal concern at the highest levels of government about one of the most feared forms of terrorism – individuals radicalised or mobilised outside traditional extremist networks who are harder for intelligence agencies to detect before they strike. While parts of the discussion were redacted, the minutes show ministers were briefed on the threat posed by attackers emerging without warning. According to the minutes, the First Minister ‘referenced recent incidents in Golders Green and elsewhere and raised concerns about lone-actor threats emerging without prior intelligence’. Police told ministers that the response must focus on vigilance, intelligence-sharing and the early identification of concerning behaviour, with health services, schools and other public bodies expected to play a role in spotting potential warning signs before an attack can take place. The minutes state ‘emphasis is being placed on vigilance, intelligence-sharing, and ensuring partners across health, education, and other sectors understand and contribute to early identification of concerning behaviours’. Police Scotland ‘provided an overview of the current threat, indicating that there had been an uptick in the level and complexity of activity since the previous briefing’. The high-level briefing attended by Mr Swinney was told the UK’s terror threat remained at a ‘substantial level’, meaning an attack is considered likely. The security summit was attended by Chief Constable Jo Farrell, Deputy Chief Constable Bex Smith, and Stuart Houston, now a temporary Deputy Chief Constable.  Dr Colin Clarke, executive director of The Soufan Centre, a New York-based security research organisation, said: 'The warnings from the Scottish Government aren't a surprise to counterterrorism experts. 'In the immediate aftermath of the Hamas terrorist attacks of October 7, 2023, and Israeli reprisals in Gaza, Lebanon, and elsewhere, there was a surge of anti-Semitic attacks.' Anti-Semitism in Britain is believed to have soared after the double stabbing of two Jewish men in London, and the United States and Israel’s war with Iran. Data from the Community Security Trust (CST) which records anti-Semitic crime, details 1,926 such incidents recorded across the country in January to June, up by almost a fifth on the first half of last year, when there were 1,598. It is the second-highest total reported to the trust in the first six months of any year, exceeded only by the 2,019 incidents in the first half of 2024. In the first few months of this year, there were a series of arson attacks at Jewish sites in London, including on four community ambulances, and the double stabbing in Golders Green, which was treated as terrorism. The Scottish Government said it had no further comment.  Police Scotland was contacted for comment. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.