'Raging' gangster Mark Richardson 'battles bid to overthrow him' behind bars (2025)

Richardson is said to be in solitary confinement as a rival targets associates on the outside.

Mark Richardson has been left incensed at a spate of serious attacks on his associates - as a rival gangster tries to oust the caged crook from his place as one of Scotland's top gang bosses.

Richardson's Dubai-based rival, who we have chosen not to name, is muscling in on Richardson's territory and targeting those close to the hood as he exerts his control.

The war has seen firebombings and gun attacks plaguing Edinburgh in recent weeks, while Richardson is powerless to stop it from his solitary cell in HMP Low Moss, in Bishopbriggs.

Edinburgh Live reports he is locked up in solitary confinement, as wave after wave of attacks are carried out on properties whose owners have been previously linked to him.

In recent weeks two homes in the capital have been shot at, with one in broad daylight just metres from a school in Pilton. The latest attack came over the weekend.

A masked thug was filmed hurling flaming Molotov cocktails into a home in Niddrie. The barrage of terrifying attacks are said to be reprisal raids for Richardson's crew stealing a stash of drugs.

The haul belonged to a new Mr Big who is reportedly pulling the strings from his bothole in Dubai. A chilling video which included a threat to anyone associated with Richardson has been circulating online.

Clips of recent attacks - including what appears to be the shooting on Niddrie Marischal Crescent last week - have also been shared. The clip warned recent events which have shook the city are the tip of the iceberg.

And those behind the attacks are said to be "just getting started" as the new gangland feud continues to escalate. Now a well-placed source, speaking anonymously, has told Edinburgh Live how Richardson is said to be "furious" as he languishes behind bars.

The source said: "Richardson is in isolation and is obviously furious with what has happened and the fact he can't do anything about it. While he is in isolation, it’s become a power struggle to move him out and let the new ones come in."

The source alleges he was moved to solitary for his own safety after an attack on one of his associates and talks of a "decent reward" to anyone who can reach him. But the gangster is not willing to give up his position without a fight, they added.

Meanwhile Police Scotland has reassured the public it has several teams working on the ongoing conflict with significant CCTV footage being trawled and door-to-door inquiries being carried out.

Superintendent Paul Gillespie said: "We understand this will be concerning for local communities, but I want to reassure everyone that we are pursuing those involved and are using every tool and tactic at our disposal.

"We are taking strong action to disrupt this criminal activity and a lot of work, which may not always be visible, is ongoing. Additional officers are currently deployed to specifically target criminals and disrupt their activities.

"Extensive enquiries are ongoing into a number of incidents in Edinburgh. From our investigations so far, we believe these are linked to groups who are actively targeting each other.

"The local division and senior management are being provided with support from our national Specialist Crime Division and Operational Support Division.

"We are carrying out additional high-visibility patrols and I would encourage anyone with any concerns to approach these officers. We understand the significant impact this has had on the local community and I would like to thank everyone for their help so far.

"Finding those who carried out these reckless acts is paramount. If you know anything that could help, please do the right thing and speak to police." Scottish Prison Service officials told Edinburgh Live they would not comment on a personal matter.