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STV News
3 days ago
- Business
- STV News
Rural businesses praised for ‘extraordinary' help with wildfires, report says
A report has praised rural businesses for their involvement in tackling the recent spate of large wildfires that have devastated parts of Scotland's countryside. Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) published the report on Thursday, which examines the wildfires near Carrbridge and Dava in the Scottish Highlands. The report says 11,827 hectares of moorland were ravaged by the fires in late June. Prepared at the request of Scottish Government officials, the report says extensive resources, manpower and expertise were contributed by at least 33 businesses, including 27 estates. The collective value of specialist firefighting equipment deployed by private land managers is conservatively estimated at £3.1m, with more than 100 employees engaged in the containment effort. PA Media Ross Ewing, director of moorland at SLE, said: 'The Carrbridge and Dava wildfires represent the largest such event in Scotland's history and without the extraordinary intervention of rural businesses, the scale of devastation would have been even greater. 'These land managers brought not only equipment and personnel, but also essential knowledge of the terrain and fire behaviour, much of it honed through generations of safe muirburn practice. Their contribution should be commended, supported and learned from.' The report also says there are gaps in the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service's (SFRS) wildfire response capability, and makes a series of recommendations. They include investment in a fleet of at least 50 SFRS all-terrain vehicles equipped with fogging units, enhanced authority for SFRS commanders to deploy aerial support quickly, urgent improvements in wildfire training and communications for frontline crews, and the establishment of a Scotland-wide integrated fire management strategy. The report also highlights that the licensing framework for muirburn, as introduced through the Wildlife Management and Muirburn Act 2024, could reduce the ability of land managers to conduct fuel load management – a key factor in wildfire prevention. Mr Ewing said: 'If we make it harder for skilled land managers to carry out preventative muirburn, we risk losing the very infrastructure and capability that helped contain these fires. 'Under the recent legislation, there is a 'necessity' test regarding use of muirburn on peatland, and a presumption in favour of other vegetation control methods. 'By amending this to an appropriateness test, it would allow this vital practice of muirburn to be carried out more freely while simultaneously retaining licensed regulatory oversight by government agencies.' Mr Ewing added: 'The Scottish Government must treat these wildfires as a watershed moment. 'That means urgent investment in firefighting infrastructure, better co-ordination between public agencies and rural communities, and a policy environment that empowers land managers, rather than penalising them, for playing their part. 'Without the courage and commitment of those who stepped up during this crisis, the outcome would have been far worse. We owe them our thanks and we owe them action.' Agriculture and connectivity minister Jim Fairlie said: 'We fully understand the concerns over wildfires. Keepers were a massive help to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in bringing the recent wildfires under control, and we know estates used their own equipment to help in those efforts. 'That practical help and experience is greatly appreciated by the Scottish Government, as are the views of the wider stakeholder groups who helped to inform our policy decisions as we progressed the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024. 'During the passage of that Act, we recognised the importance of muirburn in creating firebreaks to help tackle wildfires in some circumstances and the new muirburn licensing scheme allows muirburn for that purpose. 'The Scottish Government is working with SFRS to support full implementation of its wildfire strategy, which will see the continued rollout this year of new equipment, vehicles and personal protective equipment. 'I am grateful to SFRS, the Scottish Gamekeepers Association, and others for their outstanding efforts to keep property and people safe and for taking the time to meet with me this week to reflect on lessons we can learn for future incidents.' SFRS was approached for comment. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
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Scotsman
3 days ago
- Climate
- Scotsman
Highland and Moray wildfires 'biggest in Scotland's history'
Scottish minister visits wildfire site said to be Scotland's biggest yet. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Wildfires that ravaged landscape in Moray and the Highlands have been confirmed as the biggest on record in Scotland, according to a new report. Landowner membership organisation Scottish Land and Estates (SLE) estimates the fires that broke out in late June and early July affected 29,225 acres (11,827 hectares) - an area almost 50 times bigger than Holyrood Park in Edinburgh. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The figures were released in a report requested by the Scottish Government to document the scale. Police and firefighters are still investigating the wildfire on the Dava Moor | Bright Spark Burning Techniques The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) had figures showing slightly lower numbers in terms of scale but also confirmed the combined fires were Scotland's largest wildfire event on record. Dava-Carrbridge wildfire estimated burn area from the SFRS | SFRS The SL&E report was published on Thursday, the day agriculture minister Jim Fairlie visited the site of the wildfires for the first time since they happened. The minister met with local land managers and stakeholders involved in the emergency response. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad SL&E said more than 100 workers from over 30 rural businesses helped firefighters put out the flames that burned for days. The report claimed 80 per cent of those who helped had practical experience of controlled burning (muirburn). No one was injured in the response, however those involved said several near-miss incidents occurred. One of the fires was discovered on Friday 20 June near Carrbridge, in the Highlands, and re-ignited on multiple occasions over 11 days before being fully extinguished. Flames also ripped through the Dava Moor in Moray, less than 20 miles away, in the same week on Saturday, 28 June. Police and firefighters are continuing to investigate the cause of both incidents. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A police update on the Dava Moor fire issued this week said officers are trying to trace people who were seen with deck chairs and fishing rods near to where the blaze started at Loch Allan. Ross Ewing, director of moorland at SL&E, said rural workers should be commended for their efforts. Ross Ewing of SL&E | SL&E He said: "The Carrbridge and Dava wildfires represent the largest such event in Scotland's history – and without the extraordinary intervention of rural businesses, the scale of devastation would have been even greater. "These land managers brought not only equipment and personnel, but also essential knowledge of the terrain and fire behaviour – much of it honed through generations of safe muirburn practice." Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The SL&E report said there are 'key gaps' in the SFRS wildfire response capability. It made recommendations, including investment in a fleet of at least 50 SFRS all-terrain vehicles equipped with fogging units, enhanced authority for SFRS commanders to deploy aerial support quickly, urgent improvements in wildfire training and communications for frontline crews and to established a Scotland-wide Integrated Fire Management Strategy. The report comes after Scottish Conservative MSP Tim Eagle accused Mr Fairlie of 'being in hiding' after taking almost three weeks to visit the sites. MSP Tim Eagle at one of the sites where flames ripped through the countryside three weeks ago | Tim Eagle Mr Eagle said: 'It's disgraceful it has taken Jim Fairlie 20 days to come up to Carrbridge to witness the devastation and destruction caused by the recent wildfires. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Throughout these incidents, Scotland's agriculture minister has been in hiding as firefighters, gamekeepers, estate owners, farmers, and volunteers worked round-the-clock to extinguish one of the biggest wildfires this country has ever seen. 'This is yet another example of the Highlands and Islands being treated as an afterthought by the SNP government, at a time when the minister should have visited the area immediately.' The Scottish Wildfire Forum said it is 'deeply grateful to all those who were involved in bringing these difficult fires under control.' Mr Fairlie said: 'I am extremely grateful to the SFRS, the Scottish Gamekeepers Association, and others for their hard work and dedication in fighting these fires, and for taking the time to meet with me this week to reflect on that experience and lessons we can learn for future incidents.'
BBC News
3 days ago
- Climate
- BBC News
Highland wildfires were 'biggest in Scotland's history'
Fires that burned across moorland at Carrbridge and Dava in the Highlands recently were the biggest Scotland has ever seen, according to Land and Estates (SLE) estimates the fires that broke out in late June and early July affected 29,225 acres (11,827 hectares) - an area almost 30 times bigger than Lanarkshire's Strathclyde said at least 101 workers from more than 30 rural businesses assisted dozens of firefighters in tackling the blazes.A fire at Carrbridge discovered on Friday 20 June re-ignited on multiple occasions times over 11 days before being fully extinguished. Police and firefighters are continuing to investigate a wildfire that started on Dava Moor on Saturday 28 June. Ross Ewing, director of moorland at SLE, said rural workers should be commended for their said: "The Carrbridge and Dava wildfires represent the largest such event in Scotland's history – and without the extraordinary intervention of rural businesses, the scale of devastation would have been even greater."These land managers brought not only equipment and personnel, but also essential knowledge of the terrain and fire behaviour – much of it honed through generations of safe muirburn practice."Muirburns are controlled fires set burn off old heather and other vegetation on grouse shooting the main purpose is to encourage new heather growth for grouse and other animals to feed on, it also gets rid of excess vegetation which can fuel the practice also has the potential to damage peatlands, which play an important climate role in locking up carbon, and can have a negative impact on other restrictions on the use of muirburns are due to come in next year. How are wildfires controlled? The Scottish Gamekeepers Association's Kenneth Stephen said the use of muirburns had proven crucial in controlling some of the recent fires. But he told BBC Scotland News: "Where there were no firebreaks and the land was not managed, the wildfire just raged through large areas. "It becomes too hot and unmanageable that it is not actually safe to put people in there."He added: "What we want is for the Scottish government to look at the forthcoming muirburn restrictions, due to come into place on 1 January 2026, and realise that they are not going to help prevent wildfire and the loss of peatlands."Their comments came as Scottish Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie visited areas affected by the earlier on Thursday, he praised the group and members of the Scottish Gamekeepers Association for the role they played in tackling the blazes."I am extremely grateful to the SFRS, the Scottish Gamekeepers Association, and others for their hard work and dedication in fighting these fires, and for taking the time to meet with me this week to reflect on that experience and lessons we can learn for future incidents," he said. What causes wildfires? The fire service classifies wildfires as large, uncontrolled outdoor fires exceeding 1,000 sq m of burned says these fires are unplanned, uncontrolled and unpredictable, and occur in areas with combustible vegetation that can fuel rapid activity is often to blame with fires started by barbecues, glass bottles magnifying sunlight on dry vegetation and discarded of the reasons fires continued to burn on moorland was because of its peaty soil which fuels the incidents at Dava and Carrbridge resulted in closures of local roads and nearby residents being told to keep windows of homes and businesses closed due to Weather Watchers reported smoke from the wildfire near Carrbridge in the Highlands drifting for 40 miles (64km) across the Moray residents in Orkney have also reported smelling smoke carried miles north on the Scottish Greens councillor Draeyk Van Der Horn also photographed smoke from a number of wildfires visible from a summit in the morning and evening skies over parts of north Scotland were tinged orange by wildfire SFRS said it was back at Dava Moor on Wednesday.A spokesperson told BBC Scotland News: "We were alerted at 19:20 to reports of a fire in the open affecting heather and trees along the A940 near Dava."Operations control mobilised six appliances, which included a water carrier, to make the area safe."Firefighters are no longer at the scene." In a separate incident, firefighters tackled a large wildfire near Dallas in Moray.A helicopter was brought in to help extinguish the the incidents came during a spell of warm, dry weather.
The Herald Scotland
01-07-2025
- Climate
- The Herald Scotland
Firefighters spend fourth day tackling wildfires
Dozens of firefighters have been involved in tackling the blazes, which broke out on Saturday. They have used specialist equipment including all-terrain vehicles, fogging units, leaf blowers and beaters on the ground, with SFRS wildfire tactical advisers co-ordinating the response. SFRS deputy assistant chief officer Ross Robison said: 'The vast scale of these fires has been challenging for our crews over the past four days, particularly because of the strong winds that have caused the fires and smoke to spread further across the landscape. READ MORE: 'There has been a significant deployment of resources to the area, including on call and whole-time crews from Aberdeenshire, Moray and Highland who have been working effectively alongside landowners and partner agencies. 'I'd like to recognise the efforts of all firefighters who attended and particularly those who are on call and often combine this role with other jobs in the community. 'They continue to be invaluable in responding to incidents like these that impact hugely on rural areas. 'We've been supported by the use of helicopters provided by partners for water bombardment and we have deployed specialist wildfire teams and assets.' Several roads have been closed while emergency services deal with the wildfires. People living and working in the area are advised to keep windows and doors closed if smoke is visible. Scottish Land & Estates (SLE), which represents rural businesses, highlighted the role gamekeepers have played in helping to tackle the fires. It called on the Scottish Government to urgently prioritise investment in wildfire prevention and response through measures including better resourcing of SFRS and more training for firefighters. While the situation has improved following rainfall, land managers and gamekeepers remain concerned about persistent smouldering, particularly in areas of deep peat, and will continue to monitor the situation closely over the coming days. Ross Ewing, director of moorland at SLE, said: 'The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service played a vital role in this incident, particularly in command, control and co-ordination, but the reality is that the majority of the hands-on firefighting was undertaken by gamekeepers – using their own equipment, experience and local knowledge. 'Without that rapid response from the land management community, the situation could have been far worse – and concerns remain that flare-ups could yet occur. 'Their efforts were exceptional, but we cannot rely on goodwill and geography to deliver a credible wildfire response. 'In this case, private investment by landowners in their employees and specialist equipment averted a catastrophe. Ministers must recognise this when future spending decisions are made. 'Real weaknesses in our national resilience to wildfire have been laid bare in this incident.' The Scottish Government and SFRS have been asked for comment.
Scotsman
21-06-2025
- General
- Scotsman
Decision to delay new muirburn rules in Scotland hailed as a 'pragmatic' move
The licensing proposals have raised widespread concern among the rural sector Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Rural groups have welcomed the Scottish Government's decision to delay muirburn licensing rules by several months. The move was hailed as 'a pragmatic and necessary step' by landowner organisation Scottish Land and Estates (SL&E). Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Ministers confirmed they would delay the start date for licensing until January 1 next year – just over three months later than the previous intended start date of September 15 this year. Muirburn, controlled burning in cooler months, can help reduce the risk of wildfires The provisions of the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024 will require a licence to be in place for all muirburn activity including on non-peatland. Muirburn is the controlled burning of moorland vegetation between September and March to encourage new growth, either heather or grassland, for the management of moorland game and wildlife. It has also been used for generations as a technique to prevent wildfires as it creates fire breaks in the land. The licensing proposals raised widespread concern among the rural sector due to the complexity of mapping peat depth, establishing survey data and preparing licence applications. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad They had warned that rushing the system into place before the start of the 2025–2026 muirburn season would have created unworkable conditions and significantly increased wildfire risk. Rural groups including SL&E, NFU Scotland, the Scottish Gamekeepers Association, Scotland's Regional Moorland Groups and BASC worked together to call on ministers to make a more realistic timetable on muirburn licensing. Ross Ewing, director of moorland at SL&E, said: 'We welcome the Scottish Government's decision to delay the introduction of muirburn licensing until January 2026. 'This is a pragmatic and necessary step that reflects the serious technical and logistical challenges raised by stakeholders across the rural sector. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'There is broad consensus that muirburn, when conducted responsibly and in line with best practice, is an essential land management tool – not least in helping to reduce fuel loads and mitigate the growing threat of wildfires. 'However, introducing a licensing system without giving land managers sufficient time to comply would have been counterproductive and potentially dangerous.' Earlier this year, at the start of the wildfire season, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said muirburn is an effective tool for wildfire management. SFRS wildfire chief Michael Humphries said firefighters are trained on 'back burning' when it comes to wildfire prevention which he said is essentially the same. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Some conservation groups have opted to trial different methods to prevent wildfire spread, including wetting and rewetting parts of the landscape or cutting 'fuel load', a term used to describe vegetation that could raise the risk of wildfires or further their spread. Other conservation groups, including Trees for Life, claim native broadleaf woodlands are more wildfire resilient. RSPB Scotland, for example, claims muirburn is 'a high risk land management activity' and campaigned for the practice to be strongly regulated. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Cairngorms National Park Authority is waiting for ministers to approve a seasonal fire management bylaw which would last from 1 April to 30 September each year.
