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Earlier this year steakhouse Cut was forced to close after a fire on 12 September. Its owners said on social media it would not reopen until next year. However, it announced it would be holding a pop-up at Nel & Co this week, only for Wednesday's firebomb attack to take place. The company Cut Bothwell Limited underwent liquidation in June of this year. Other restaurants have also been attacked in the past several years. The town's San Vincenzo was attacked on multiple occasions in 2019, culminating in a car being smashed into the premises and set on fire - causing a blaze that destroyed the restaurant. Owner Vincent Marini publicly claimed he had been targeted by gangsters, and chose to sell up after the destruction occurred. Italian restaurant Da Luciano's - which Mr O'Donnell was also involved in owning at one time - was then firebombed on multiple occasions in 2023. By the end of the year the eatery was demolished. BBC Scotland believes police have ruled out any link between the firebombings and recent gangland violence across Glasgow and Edinburgh. Police Scotland Ch Insp Sarah McArthur said the fires should not present a wider risk to the public. She said: "We understand these incidents in Bothwell may be worrying for the local community, but I want to offer reassurance that we believe these fires were targeted. "We are carrying out regular patrols in the area and anyone with concerns is encouraged to speak to these officers." Police Scotland is understood to be increasing its presence in the area following last Wednesday's fire, as inquiries continue.
