Glasgow events
SIA licensed event teams for outdoor events, concerts, conferences and private functions across Glasgow, with a written security plan for every event.
Event organisers in Glasgow need a security team that knows the site before the gates open. On Guard Security supplies SIA licensed event security in Glasgow, from weddings and private functions to large outdoor events. We walk the site, then provide a written security plan and a tailored quotation covering staffing, positions, search policy and escalation. Most enquiries get a written quote within 24 hours.
Large and public events in Glasgow usually need more than staff on the door. Our event teams cover:
Each Glasgow venue has its own layout and crowd, so the staffing changes with the setting. We can staff events such as these:
Every site is different. Tell us about yours and we will send a tailored quotation and plan.
Glasgow City Council asks event organisers to submit a stewarding plan, and says the detail needed in an event management plan rises with the size and risk of the event. Under the council's Public Entertainment Licence conditions, a crowd management plan is due to Environmental Health 28 days before the event. Funfair organisers must apply for a Temporary Public Entertainment Licence.
Source: Glasgow City Council, General Event Requirements; Glasgow City Council, Public Entertainment Licence Conditions 2024.
Our written security plan covers staffing, deployment positions, search policy, incident escalation and comms, and can go in alongside your stewarding and crowd management plans when you apply.
Organisers choosing an event security firm want to see similar work done locally. On Guard Security is a security company covering Glasgow, working regularly in the city on events and commercial contracts. At Spooktacular Glasgow we provided full site security for the whole of October, with thousands of attendees. At Clydeside Christmas Village on South Street in 2025, a team of more than 12, led by a Security Team Manager and a Security Operations Manager, handled site walkthroughs, access gaps, crowd control and antisocial behaviour.
Across the west of Scotland we have also secured Kirkintilloch Big Weekend, a free three-day town centre festival with live music, a street food market and fairground rides, and Irvine Marymass, a gala day with roots in the Middle Ages.
Source: whatsonglasgow.co.uk; irvineayrshire.org.
"Dean and his staff are always professional, reliable and well-presented at every event. They handle situations calmly and confidently, while also staying approachable and respectful to guests and staff. Dean provides us with peace of mind knowing our events are in such capable hands. His communication is always excellent, and he goes above and beyond to ensure everything runs smoothly. I would not hesitate to recommend to anyone looking for dependable, high-quality security services!"Lauren Napier, MT Attractions (organisers of Spooktacular Glasgow), verified 5-star Google review.
We also provide event security in Edinburgh and across Scotland. In Fife, 30+ On Guard staff worked Kirkcaldy Links Market 2026, Europe's longest street fair, over six days and 350,000+ visitors. It ran without major incidents. Founder and Director Dean Waters has over 15 years in the industry, with a focus on events and crowd management.
Your staffing, search policy and licence paperwork all depend on the security plan, so the process starts with the site.
For knife arch hire, same-week bookings are often possible in Glasgow; for large events we prefer 2 to 3 weeks. For short-notice needs, we also supply last minute and emergency security guards: most Glasgow deployments are within 2 to 4 hours, with a 24/7 emergency line.
Coverage
Examples of where we work. If your location is not listed, get in touch.
FAQs
It depends on expected numbers, the layout, the number of entry points, whether alcohol is served and any conditions on your licence. We set numbers after a site walk and write them into the security plan. Our guide on how many security staff an event needs explains the factors.
Staff guarding against disorder or unauthorised access at premises licensed for alcohol or regulated entertainment, while alcohol is served or entertainment is provided, need an SIA door supervisor licence. This applies to contracted and in-house staff (source: SIA, Events guidance for suppliers of security). Every On Guard officer is SIA licensed, including our SIA door supervisors in Glasgow.
Yes. On Guard Security offers P1 knife arch hire for Glasgow events, with handheld wands, delivery, setup, calibration, collection and optional SIA operators. Same-week bookings are often possible in Glasgow. For large events we prefer 2 to 3 weeks' notice.
Yes. Liaison with Police Scotland and venue management is part of our event security service. Your written security plan sets out incident escalation and comms so everyone on the day works from the same document.
As early as you can, so the site walk and security plan are done in time for your licence paperwork. Glasgow City Council asks for a crowd management plan 28 days before an event held under a Public Entertainment Licence. For short-notice needs, we also provide emergency cover.
We do not publish rates. The price depends on the number and type of staff (a CCTV-licensed officer or close protection officer costs more than a general steward), the hours, equipment such as a knife arch, the location and the notice given. A surcharge may apply to overnight work and holiday dates. Every quote is free and tailored to the event.
Is your Glasgow event date set and the venue confirmed?
Get in touch on WhatsApp or email us today to arrange a site walk and receive a written quotation and security plan.
Google reviews
"Dean and his staff are always professional, reliable and well-presented at every event. They handle situations calmly and confidently, while also staying approachable and respectful to guests and staff."
"No matter the location, whether it is Larbert, Troon, Aberdeen, Livingston, Bathgate, Inverness, Shetland, Stornoway or anywhere in between, the standard of service is always professional, reliable and well organised."
"Working alongside their team is always an absolute pleasure. Their staff is highly trained, incredibly reliable, and handles event operations with the utmost composure."
"After the first day Dean pointed out a potential security risk which I was not aware of. He also came to the site several times to check if everything is ok."
"Dean and his team are professional, reliable, well-presented, and understand the fairground and attractions industry extremely well."
"Absolutely fantastic service from the team at on guard needed last minute security and they were spot on 10/10"
"Dean and his team have been excellent. Flexible, professional and clearly understand the best approach to each individual situation."
"As an SIA-certified Close Protection specialist, his strategic preparation was spot on, and the subsequent execution left nothing to be desired."
"Dean is always a great asset in the team and his staff all align with our values of delivering above and beyond service."
"We use On guard for many of our events around Scotland. There a great bunch of guys & gals with great management and knowledge of licensing and policies."
Learn about us
A Scottish event and site security company with more than 65 SIA licensed personnel, led by founder Dean Waters, who has over 15 years in the security industry. We work across Edinburgh, Glasgow, the central belt and beyond, for events, commercial sites, construction and private clients.
Watch the video below to learn more about us
Contact us
Tell us your location or locations, dates and what you need covered. We will learn about your requirements and send a written quotation and security plan, usually within 24 hours.
Or call +44 7348 955836 · dean@onguardsecurity.uk