Wildfires in Scotland raise concerns over future land policy

Major wildfires across parts of the Cairngorms have decimated large swathes of land in recent weeks, prompting calls for the Scottish government to allow controlled burning to continue.

Firefighters have been tackling multiple wildfires across North East Scotland, with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service closing roads and advising locals to leave windows and doors closed to avoid smoke damage.

This has resulted in a range of rural organisations speaking out about the need for controlled burns and the important role livestock play in helping to manage the land and reduce the risk of wildfires.

See also: Wildfire warning as Labour plans to ban controlled burning

The Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA) has urged government officials to attend the wildfires and assess the damage for themselves, in order to understand the need for controlled muirburn in the region.

An SGA spokesperson said: “We are about to introduce new legislation in Scotland which will severely restrict controlled muirburning while we are letting huge fuel loads build up across the country in planting schemes and rewilding areas.

“We have warned about this constantly and, exactly what we said would happen, is happening.”

NFU Scotland also backed these calls and advocated that controlled muirburn remained one of the most effective tools to reduce wildfire risk.

NFUS vice-president Duncan Macalister said: “NatureScot should enable land managers to carry out these burns by promoting responsible practice, streamlining licensing and providing safe use guidance.”

He added that livestock also played a vital role in managing moorland.

“Destocking and reducing grazing animals has caused the need for controlled and responsible muirburn to increase.

“Policy must allow farmers and crofters to effectively manage the land and prevent future wildfires,” said Mr Macalister.

Landowner organisation Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) determined that the wildfires must act as a “wake-up call” for the Scottish Government to prioritise investment in wildfire prevention and response.

Ross Ewing, SLE director of moorland, added that support from gamekeepers and land managers had been “exceptional” in helping the fire service to control the recent wildfires.

He said: “Their willingness to mobilise quickly, often at very short notice, and put themselves in harm’s way speaks volumes about their commitment to the land and the communities around them.”

The Scottish Government has confirmed it is working with fire and rescue services to support the full implementation of its wildfire strategy, which includes the roll-out of new equipment, vehicles and personal protective equipment.

Scottish community safety minister, Siobhian Brown said: “We continue to support the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SRFS) with substantial year-on-year budget increases that enable it to deliver the high standard of services required to keep communities safe.

“This year’s budget includes £412.2m for SFRS, an increase of £18.8m.”