The devastating wildfires across the north and north-east must act as a wake-up call for the Scottish Government, says Scottish Land & Estates (SLE).
Following several days of intense firefighting, aided by rainfall overnight, the immediate situation on the ground has improved.
But gamekeepers and land managers remain concerned about persistent smouldering, particularly in areas of deep peat.
They will continue to monitor the situation closely in the days ahead.
SLE warns of ‘critical gaps’ in national preparedness
SLE welcomed “direct engagement” in the past 24 hours withfrom Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie and local MSPs, Fergus Ewing and Douglas Ross.
But the rural business group warned of “critical gaps” in Scotland’s preparedness for tackling wildfires.
‘Direct action’ suggestions
And it called on ministers to take direct action, including:
- Improved resourcing of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), with all-terrain vehicles, fogging units and water bowsers to ensure frontline crews are properly equipped
- Expanded training for firefighters in techniques such as backburning and firebreak creation.
- A review of aerial firefighting capability, with “serious consideration” given to the establishment of a dedicated SFRS aerial command to enable quicker mobilisation of helicopters and improve containment efforts
- Government funding for wildfire danger rating assessments – “essential for understanding risk and preventing similar events in the future”
SLE moorland director Ross Ewing said: “The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service played a vital role in this incident, particularly in command, control and coordination.
“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.”
Mr Ewing added: “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. It took until Monday for helicopters to be deployed, despite requests being made over the weekend. That simply isn’t good enough in a situation where every hour counts.”
Business group calls for ‘leadership, investment and a proper strategy’
He continued: “We also know SFRS teams do not yet have universal access to the equipment and training needed to respond effectively to these fast-moving incidents.
“Firefighters across Scotland should receive regular training in the use of fire to backburn and create firebreaks.
“The government must act now for the long-term – we need leadership, investment and a proper strategy.”
Deer management groups call for public recognition of stalkers, gamekeepers and estate staff
Meanwhile, the Association of Deer Management Groups (ADMG) said the past few days had highlighted why the value of stalkers, gamekeepers and estate staff in fighting upland fires “must be recognised” in the Scottish Parliament.
ADMG chairman Tom Turnbull added: “Not only are these professionals undertaking moorland and upland management to prevent major incidents like this happening in the first place, but they are on hand to support the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service when such events occur.
“Volunteers from estates all across Scotland have been quick to respond to calls for support, both in terms of manpower and equipment.”
Read more: Photos show devastation across Highland and Moray in aftermath of wildfires.
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