Key Points
- Local residents gathered on Dundas Road in North Berwick on Sunday evening to protest against a convicted sex offender living in their neighbourhood.
- Members of the crowd set off fireworks directly outside the house.
- The demonstration targeted 65-year-old convicted offender Stevan McIntosh.
- People at the scene live-streamed video footage of the gathering on social media platforms.
- Police Scotland officers arrived on Dundas Road to manage public order and monitor the situation.
North Berwick (Edinburgh Daily) October 19, 2026 — A crowd of local residents converged on Dundas Road in North Berwick on Sunday evening to express opposition to the presence of registered child sex offender Stevan McIntosh within their local community.
As reported by local news sources, including coverage in the East Lothian Courier, the gathering turned chaotic when fireworks were set off directly outside McIntosh’s residential address.
“A large group turned up at the home of Stevan McIntosh, 65, on Dundas Road, North Berwick, and demonstrated at his presence in their community,” reported local news outlets covering the incident.
The demonstration was recorded by attendees and live-streamed across various social media platforms, showing members of the public gathering along the street in the residential neighbourhood.
How Did Police Scotland Respond to the Gathering?
Police Scotland officers were dispatched to Dundas Road following reports of a public gathering and the discharge of pyrotechnics in a residential street.
Officers remained at the location to ensure public safety, manage traffic flow through the residential area, and prevent further escalation of public disorder.
Police authorities have consistently warned against vigilante action or public disorder, emphasizing that multi-agency public protection arrangements (MAPPA) exist to monitor managed offenders within local communities.
“Additional patrols remain in place and we continue to work closely with our partners to address any concerns within the community,” stated Police Scotland officers following similar public order incidents.
Background of the Particular Development
The target of the demonstration, 65-year-old Stevan McIntosh, has been the subject of prior legal proceedings at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.
In March 2025, McIntosh pleaded guilty to possessing indecent images of children following a police raid on his Dundas Road home in October 2023. His convictions led to his placement on the Sex Offenders Register under strict statutory supervision conditions.
In July 2026, McIntosh faced further judicial proceedings at Edinburgh Sheriff Court where he was found guilty of child assault charges, further heightening local community awareness and tension surrounding his presence on Dundas Road.
Public demonstrations outside the homes of registered sex offenders have occurred across various Scottish local authority areas, often organized via social media channels where details regarding offenders’ addresses are circulated.
Prediction: How This Development Can Affect Local Communities and Law Enforcement
This development is likely to have immediate and broader impacts on local residents, public safety management, and judicial oversight protocols.
Impact on the Local Residential Community
For residents living on Dundas Road and surrounding streets in North Berwick, public demonstrations involving pyrotechnics create immediate concerns regarding physical safety and property damage. The use of uncontrolled fireworks in residential areas poses fire risks to neighboring properties and creates disruption for local families and children.
Challenges for Police Scotland and Local Authorities
Unsanctioned community protests force police forces to divert operational resources to manage crowds and prevent disorder. Police chiefs repeatedly emphasize that public vigilante gatherings can inadvertently complicate formal offender management, make tracking registered individuals more difficult if they are displaced, and strain local policing budgets.
