Time to take away free bus passes from anti-social youths causing disorder

And they all happened in the early days of the Easter break when youths had time on their hands and little idea what to do with it that was constructive.

In that respect, they are no different to every other generation that has gone before them. They are surly, they dress in black, and their communication skills veer from incoherent mumbling to swaggering bravado.

Of the incidents mentioned, Aberdour was serious, both in scale and potential for serious trouble - but when you see a dozen or so youngsters taking up an entire street, being loud and flippant, let alone confrontational and looking for trouble, it is disconcerting.

The fear of crime, of being a victim is always greater than the chance it might happen - but that is no consolation if you happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, and find yourself on the receiving end of their sharp tongues and mob mentality which can trigger the fear of all manner of violence.

We’ve all seen groups which can appear menacing and made a mental note to give them a wide berth, but that’s not quite so easy if you are stuck on the same bus or train as them. The exits to safety are significantly reduced in those circumstances.

I grew up during the era of punk rock and glue sniffing in Wester Hailes in Edinburgh. It had a real edge to it, and many trips back from mates’ houses meant a sprint at full speed just in case one of the local psychos, or his hangers-on, were in the area. The difference between then and now is we largely stayed in our own manor. Step outside and you were at the mercy of folk with nicknames like Navvy and Caveman.

Today, youths have access to free travel and can easily go into other groups’ territory, sparking potential flashpoints.

And they do seem to think they are untouchable - the word ‘feral’ is used over and over again in discussions about the problem which is evident in every single town.

The dark side of today’s youths is that they seem to travel in packs, with little regard or respect for others. In football grounds they are indulged as ‘ultras’ instead of being held fully responsible and accountable for the damage they have caused – and then kicked out.

Armed with mobile phones and free bus passes, they have a swagger that is the polar opposite of their actual immaturity. Imagine if they lost both - alas, there isn’t a surgeon skilled enough to operate to remove a phone from a teenager’s hand, but removing their bus pass should be straight forward.

Sadly, for too long, far too many politicians have downplayed - or downright denied - there is a problem caused by abuse of the free travel system, and they have been far too slow to do anything about it. It requires secondary legislation, All it should need is a letter from the First Minister saying “do it” - and make it clear once confiscated, the pass isn’t coming back.

Removing their free access to roam might just dent that sense they are untouchable.