Cairngorms: ‘No stone can be left unturned’ to support firefighters and communities
Scottish Green MSP for the Highlands & Islands, Ariane Burgess, has written to the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Neil Gray, calling for urgent resources and clarity on the action being taken to bring the devastating blaze ravaging the Cairngorms under control.
This comes as people and families from Nethy Bridge have been evacuated and a major incident has been declared.
Ariane said:
“The fire has raged for over a week, destroying precious nature, threatening livelihoods and forcing local residents from their homes.
“People across the area are understandably anxious and worried, and the scale of the damage can be seen and smelt for miles.
“This is a deeply distressing time for the communities in and around the Cairngorms. People are being forced to watch the landscape they love burning around them, while worrying about their homes, their businesses and what the coming days will bring.
“Firefighters are putting their lives on the line and working around the clock to protect our communities. No stone can be left unturned in making sure crews have the equipment, personnel and support required to tackle this fire safely and effectively.
“Airborne helicopters dropping water have already made a difference, and a lot of local people who have reached out to me want to see more of them on their way.
“Local residents and businesses must not be left to face this crisis alone. A lot of the land managers have gone above and beyond, but we also need greater government resources including skills and assistance from nearby Lossiemouth.
“The Scottish Government must provide urgent clarity on what additional resources will be made available to them now and in future, what further action is being taken to bring the blaze under control, and how those affected will be supported through the immediate crisis and its aftermath.
“Our communities have shown enormous strength, resilience and solidarity, but they need action and reassurance now. The priority must be protecting people, supporting firefighters and doing everything possible to limit further damage to this precious part of our country.”
TEXT OF LETTER FROM ARIANE TO NEIL GRAY
Dear Cabinet Secretary,
Thank you for the updates provided throughout the wildfire incident.
Given that Police Scotland has now declared a major incident and residents are being evacuated from the Nethy Bridge area, I would be grateful if you could outline what additional operational, logistical and financial support is now available as a consequence of that designation.
In particular:
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Have any additional Scottish Government resilience arrangements now been activated?
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Is military assistance being considered or has any request for support been discussed?
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What support is being made available to evacuated residents and affected local businesses?
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What assessment is being made of the likely recovery and environmental restoration requirements following the fire?
Given the understandable concern amongst local residents, any information you can provide on the practical implications of the major incident declaration would be greatly appreciated.
Kind regards,
Ariane Burgess MSP