Smoke plumes rose high over the city yesterday as a fierce wildfire tore through Arthur’s Seat, one of Edinburgh’s most treasured landmarks.
The blaze broke out just after 4pm on Sunday, sending thick black smoke billowing for miles and alarming residents, festival-goers, and tourists.
Emergency services urged people to avoid the area as four fire appliances and specialist crews fought the flames on the hillside.
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 4.05pm on Sunday, 10 August, to reports of a fire in the open at Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh.
Operations Control mobilised four fire appliances and specialist resources to the area where firefighters are working to extinguish a fire affecting a large area of gorse. There are no reported casualties at this time, and crews remain at the scene.”
Eyewitnesses described the sight as “like scenes from a film” as the fire spread quickly in the wind. Some visitors fled down the slopes as the smoke thickened.
Edinburgh’s beloved Arthur’s Seat is shrouded in smoke as firefighters battle a fierce gorse fire. No injuries have been reported, but the blaze highlights the growing wildfire threat from Scotland’s hotter, drier summers.
Reason Behind the Wildfire
The official cause remains under investigation. However, Scotland’s recent weather has left the land dangerously dry. The country has experienced its driest spring and summer in decades, with long stretches of warm, windy days.
This parched environment, combined with gorse vegetation that catches easily, turned Arthur’s Seat into a tinderbox. Experts warn that without heavier rainfall, the risk of such fires will only grow in the coming years.
Government Steps to Resolve the Issue
Authorities have emphasised that fire crews and park rangers are fully mobilised to contain the blaze, supported by aerial water drops and manual beaters on the ground.
The Scottish Government has reiterated its commitment to:
- Expanding public awareness campaigns on wildfire risks.
- Increasing controlled burns in high-risk areas during safe conditions.
- Reviewing emergency water supply strategies to ensure readiness during prolonged droughts.
- Strengthening penalties for irresponsible behaviour that could trigger fires.
Officials have also urged the public to follow all safety advice and avoid open flames or barbecues in vulnerable landscapes during dry spells.
Impact on Locals and Tourism
Arthur’s Seat is one of the most visited natural attractions in Edinburgh, drawing hikers, photographers, and history lovers year-round.
The wildfire has forced the closure of parts of Holyrood Park, disappointing many visitors who had travelled from around the world for the view.
Local businesses, particularly those catering to the busy summer festival season, have expressed concern about the impact on trade.
While the fire has been contained to the hillside, the sight of smoke drifting across the city has been unsettling for residents and damaging for Edinburgh’s image as a safe, scenic destination.
