Russell Findlay says the acid attack on him was targeted, not random, as William Burns is released from prison after serving part of a 10-year sentence.
Russell Findlay has warned that the acid attack on him may have been part of a wider organised crime threat, after the man convicted over the assault was released from prison. The Scottish Conservative leader said he believes some criminal figures may still see him as unfinished business, even years after the attack outside his Glasgow home.
William Burns, who attacked Findlay in 2015 while dressed as a postman, was freed this week after serving time for the assault. Findlay said he received a letter a few weeks ago telling him Burns would be leaving prison. The MSP told BBC Scotland News that the release has brought back concern about a risk that never fully went away.
Findlay was working as an investigative journalist for The Sun when Burns came to his door two days before Christmas in 2015 and threw a corrosive liquid, believed to be sulphuric acid, in his face. Burns then tried to stab him with a knife. Findlay fought back, overpowered the attacker, and held him until police arrived. The incident was seen by Findlay’s then 12-year-old daughter.
Burns, who had a violent criminal record that included a prison term for shooting a woman during an armed robbery, was later sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by five years of supervision after release. The exact motive for the attack has never been firmly established, but it has long been suspected that the assault was ordered because of Findlay’s reporting on organised crime groups. Findlay has now said he sees the case as far bigger than one man.
“Russell Findlay says the acid attack on him was targeted, not random, as William Burns is released from prison after serving part of a 10-year sentence.”
Two years ago, Findlay revealed that Police Scotland had warned him of a possible threat to his life from a known criminal. He says organised crime groups have already shown they can target public figures, pointing to a Conservative councillor who stepped down in 2021 after firebomb attacks. Findlay said he raised that case when he first became an MSP because he felt the kind of targeting often associated with Mexico was also happening in Scotland.
He stressed that fear would not change his behavior or his politics. Findlay said he intends to keep exposing organised crime, arguing that showing weakness would only encourage those behind such violence. He also said his family and friends have concerns for his safety, but added that the danger is not just about whether Burns is behind bars. In his view, the wider network matters more than one individual.
The Scottish Conservative leader also attacked Scotland’s parole system, saying it is hidden from public view and offers too little attention to victims. When asked whether he could forgive Burns, he said no. He described the attack as deliberate and extreme, and said the result could have been death or life-changing injury.
Findlay also urged police and prosecutors to examine a number of unsolved murders in Paisley in the 1990s, saying Burns has questions to answer in relation to them. The acid attack case matters because it sits at the crossroads of crime, politics, and public safety, and it raises fresh questions about how Scotland handles dangerous offenders and protects people who take on organised crime.
Frequently asked questions
Who attacked Russell Findlay, and when did it happen?
William Burns attacked Findlay outside his Glasgow home in 2015, two days before Christmas. Burns was dressed as a postman and threw corrosive liquid in Findlay’s face before trying to stab him.
What happened to William Burns after the attack?
Burns was later sentenced to 10 years in prison, followed by five years of supervision after release. He has now been freed after serving that sentence.
What does Findlay believe the motive for the attack was?
The exact motive has never been firmly established, but Findlay says the attack may have been ordered because of his reporting on organised crime groups. He now believes the case may involve a wider criminal network.
What concerns has Findlay raised about his safety now?
Findlay says he was warned by police two years ago about a possible threat to his life from a known criminal, and he believes some figures may still see him as unfinished business. He says the risk did not disappear when Burns went to prison.
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