Key Points
- Joshua Stewart, 21, has admitted his role as the getaway driver in a machete attack on Edinburgh businessman David McMillan as part of a gangland feud.
- The attack occurred on Pitcairn Grove in Edinburgh on 22 May 2025, involving masked assailants armed with machetes who targeted McMillan’s home around 9:15 PM.
- Stewart, along with Arran Reid, 26 (or 27 in some reports), was arrested as part of Operation Portaledge following public tip-offs at a property in Muirhouse Drive, Edinburgh.
- Arran Reid later pleaded guilty to severely injuring McMillan to the danger of his life, causing permanent disfigurement, and was sentenced to eight years and four months in prison at the High Court in Edinburgh on 9 December 2025.
- Reid also admitted to recklessly discharging a revolver at a residence in The Inch area of Edinburgh on 12 June 2025, linked to serious organised crime.
- David McMillan, 54, associate of crime boss Mark Richardson, sustained lacerations to his head and body, a fractured skull, and was treated in hospital; he chose not to provide a police statement.
- A security guard alerted McMillan by honking a horn; McMillan armed himself with a machete or similar weapon and was assisted by the guard using a crowbar.
- The incident is part of a broader gangland feud involving figures like Ross ‘Miami’ McGill and Mark Richardson, with related attacks including firebombings and shootings.
- Stewart and Reid appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on 17 June 2025, made no plea initially, and were remanded in custody.
- Judge Lord Scott sentenced Reid, stating such extreme violence will not be tolerated in Scotland.
- Reid was on licence from HMP Lochhill at the time, having been released on 5 February 2025 after a prior prison term.
- Defense for Reid noted the offences occurred during a tumultuous period influenced by alcohol and drugs; he expressed remorse.
Edinburgh (Edinburgh Daily News) March 5, 2026 – Joshua Stewart, 21, has admitted his involvement as the getaway driver in a brutal machete attack on local businessman David McMillan, which formed part of an escalating gangland feud gripping the Scottish capital. The assault took place outside McMillan’s home on Pitcairn Grove last May, highlighting the violent turf wars plaguing Edinburgh’s underworld. Police investigations under Operation Portaledge have led to multiple arrests, underscoring efforts to curb organised crime in the city.
What Happened in the Machete Attack?
As detailed in CCTV footage reviewed at the High Court in Edinburgh, three masked individuals, including Arran Reid, parked an SUV outside David McMillan’s residence on Pitcairn Grove around 21:15 on 22 May 2025. Prosecutor David Dickson KC explained that the group was armed with machetes and targeted the 54-year-old businessman, who is reportedly associated with crime figure Mark Richardson. McMillan was alerted by his security guard honking a car horn, prompting him to exit his home wielding a machete or similar weapon for self-defence.
The security guard intervened, using a metal crowbar to fend off some strikes from the attackers. Despite the resistance, McMillan sustained severe lacerations to his head and body, along with a fractured skull, and was rushed to hospital by his partner. As reported by BBC News, McMillan chose not to provide a statement to police regarding the incident. A YouTube crime report detailed that the assailants, dressed in black, lay in wait to launch what was intended as a public execution to send a message to rivals.
Who Is Joshua Stewart and What Did He Admit?
Joshua Stewart, aged 21 (20 at the time of arrest), admitted to his part as the getaway driver for the group involved in the attack on David McMillan. According to STV News, Stewart, alongside Arran Reid, 26, appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Tuesday, 17 June 2025, and made no plea at that stage; both were remanded in custody. An Instagram news reel confirmed that the two men were charged in connection with the attempted murder.
As per a detailed YouTube account on the gangsters’ arrests, Stewart and Reid were apprehended at a property in Muirhouse Drive around 6 PM following public tip-offs as part of Operation Portaledge. Stewart faces serious charges including attempted murder, conspiracy to cause permanent disfigurement, reset, and attempt to defeat the means of justice. His admission marks a significant development in the case, though sentencing details for Stewart were not immediately available in court reports.
What Role Did Arran Reid Play?
Arran Reid, 27, was the primary assailant who repeatedly assaulted McMillan with a machete, pleading guilty to severely injuring him to the danger of his life and causing permanent disfigurement. BBC reporter coverage noted that Reid also acknowledged recklessly discharging a revolver at a residence in The Inch on 12 June 2025, with both crimes tied to serious organised crime activities. Judge Lord Scott reviewed the CCTV evidence and sentenced Reid to eight years and four months imprisonment on 9 December 2025.
Prosecutor David Dickson KC informed the court of Reid’s history of violent offences; he was on licence from HMP Lochhill, released on 5 February 2025. Defense advocate John Scullion KC stated,
“The offenses occurred during a tumultuous period in my client’s life, heavily influenced by alcohol and drugs. He fully accepts his responsibility and feels remorseful.”
A Scottish Sun YouTube video linked Reid to mob boss Ross ‘Miami’ McGill’s revenge campaign in the turf war.
Why Was David McMillan Targeted?
David McMillan, a 54-year-old businessman with ties to Mark Richardson, was attacked in what reports describe as a targeted strike amid a gangland feud. The YouTube exposé claimed the assault was ordered to eliminate McMillan as a clear casualty, sending a message to Richardson and other crime bosses. This incident followed an arson attack on McMillan’s home on 17 April 2025, while his children were upstairs asleep.
BBC accounts confirm McMillan required hospital treatment for his injuries but declined to assist police investigations. The feud has seen related violence, including firebombings of businesses and cars linked to prison officers, as part of broader “rampant gangsterism” in Edinburgh. Sky News reported a “useful idiot” firebombing Edinburgh businesses in the same violent feud.
What Is Operation Portaledge?
Operation Portaledge is the ongoing police investigation into a series of violent incidents across Scotland, with arrests reaching 49 by June 2025. STV News quoted Chief Constable urging public help to prevent further violence, specifically naming the arrests of Joshua Stewart and Arran Reid. The operation targeted the machete attack and related charges like firearm possession and drugs.
How Does This Fit into Edinburgh’s Gangland Feud?
The attack is embedded in Scotland’s raging turf war involving figures like Ross ‘Miami’ McGill, Mark Richardson, and others. Yahoo News detailed machete assaults leaving victims with hands “hanging off” and car torchings at HMP Addiewell in 2022-2023, with Lord Mulholland describing it as “rampant gangsterism.” A Scottish Sun video highlighted a taxi firm firebombing and boss targeting by machete gang, part of the same underworld violence.
Judge Lord Scott emphasised during Reid’s sentencing,
“Acts of extreme, calculated, and indiscriminate violence like this in Scotland will not be accepted,”
aiming to deter such behaviour and protect the public. The feud has prompted warnings of lengthy sentences for perpetrators.
What Are the Broader Implications?
This admission by Stewart contributes to dismantling the networks behind Edinburgh’s gang violence, with police relying on public tips for breakthroughs. Related cases include a YouTube-reported knife rampage in Calders and migrant charged over attacks sending two to hospital in March 2026. However, the core story centres on the May 2025 Pitcairn Grove assault and its courtroom resolutions.
The High Court proceedings underscore judicial resolve against organised crime, as seen in Reid’s custodial term. Ongoing operations like Portaledge signal sustained law enforcement efforts amid public safety concerns in the capital.
