‘Landscapes we treasure are becoming increasingly vulnerable​​​​​​​’ - Lorna Slater

Just a few years ago, the idea of large wildfires on Arthur’s Seat felt extraordinary. Today, they are becoming an all too familiar part of our summers.

As climate change drives hotter, drier conditions, the landscapes we treasure most are becoming increasingly vulnerable.

Holyrood Park is one of Edinburgh’s greatest assets. It is a place where residents and visitors alike can escape the bustle of the city, connect with nature and enjoy spectacular views. I have spent years working to protect and enhance this remarkable landscape,

supporting efforts to improve biodiversity, restore habitats and ensure it remains resilient for future generations.

But all of that work can be undone in a matter of hours.

This week’s fires on Arthur’s Seat are a stark reminder that Climate change is already impacting all of us. It is here, affecting the places we know and love. Wildfires destroy habitats, release stored carbon back into the atmosphere and leave scars that can take years to recover.

There is a poignant irony that this has happened in Edinburgh, the city that gave the world its first municipal fire brigade. For two centuries our firefighters have been protecting people, homes and landmarks. Today, they are increasingly being called upon to confront fires fuelled by a changing climate. Their bravery deserves our gratitude, but gratitude alone is not enough.

We must do everything we can to reduce the risk of future fires. That means investing in our parks, supporting land management that improves resilience, encouraging responsible behaviour during periods of high fire risk, and above all, tackling the climate crisis at its

source. If we fail to act, writing about wildfires in Holyrood Park risks becoming an annual tradition. That is one tradition Edinburgh can do without.