Meeting of the Parliament 24 June 2026 [Draft]
The response from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and local land management to the severe wildfires that were experienced in the Highlands last year was exceptional, and I put on record my thanks to them.
Given that wildfires are breaking out, as the cabinet secretary has referenced, including in Lochinver in my constituency this April, we are already seeing the risk. The recent introduction of fire byelaws in the Cairngorms national park, which the cabinet secretary referred to, demonstrates that a targeted approach to prevention is possible. Given the recent wildfires, will the minister urgently commence the powers in the Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2026 to allow local authorities to introduce similar protections where they are needed?