Extreme wildfire risk in Scotland – land managers urge responsible access

Press Release

Rural business organisation Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) is urging members of the public to be aware of the risk of wildfire and to act responsibly in the countryside this bank holiday weekend.

The wildfire risk for the whole of Scotland remains ‘extreme’ today and ‘very high’ for much of the Highland region going into the bank holiday weekend, following an extended period of warm and dry weather.

Ross Ewing, Director of Moorland and Strategic Projects for SLE, warned that dry vegetation on hills and moors is a major risk factor at this time of year: “Devastating wildfires are becoming increasingly common in Scotland, particularly in the Spring and early Summer, when dry fuel conditions and vegetation that has not yet ‘greened’ pose a significant fire risk. 

“Land managers and gamekeepers are working with the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service and other partners to keep people safe and raise awareness of the risk. Everyone can play their part by enjoying our hills and moors responsibly and avoiding lighting fires (including barbeques) in the Scottish countryside.”

Last weekend wildfires broke out on the Isle of Skye and in Lochinver, Tarbert, and Peterhead, while firefighters were called out to a major gorse fire yesterday near Rosehearty.

A report last year by Scottish Land & Estates highlighted the significant cost of tackling the worst wildfire ever recorded in Scotland, which spread across Carrbridge and Dava, devastating 11,827 hectares of moorland and woodland. More than 100 people from 33 rural businesses, including 27 estates worked to combat the fires alongside the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service. At least 110 ATVs, fogging units, tractors, diggers, water bowsers and other assets were deployed. The collective value of specialist firefighting equipment deployed by land managers was conservatively estimated at £4 million.