Fire crews battling blaze on Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh
Emergency services have deployed four appliances to a blaze near the Palace of Holyrood House. Police have implemented local road closures as efforts continue.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service received reports of the fire at 6.38pm on Sunday, 19 July. Four fire appliances were dispatched to the scene, where they remain in attendance to combat the blaze.
The fire, which is situated near the Palace of Holyrood House, has generated a large plume of smoke visible from the nearby Scottish Parliament. Social media reports and images captured by observers show flames on the hillside and thick smoke billowing from the landmark. Local authorities have implemented road closures in response to the incident. Specifically, Queens Drive is closed from the roundabout near Pollock Halls down to Dynamic Earth. Police Scotland is on the scene assisting the fire service and has advised drivers to utilize alternative routes.
Chris Murray, MP for Edinburgh East and Musselburgh, addressed the situation via social media, stating:
"Very worried to see the fire in Holyrood Park on Arthur’s Seat. Please take care everyone and stay away from the fire. I understand the fire brigade are aware."
Chris Murray, MP for Edinburgh East and Musselburgh, via X
The fire comes amid a dry spell in Scotland, which has seen large-scale wildfires in the Cairngorms. The landmark also experienced a fire in August. During that previous event, no casualties were reported, though access to the area was restricted.
The activity in Edinburgh coincides with a larger, ongoing firefighting effort in the Cairngorms National Park. As of the evening of 19 July, crews including six fire engines, two all-terrain vehicles, a Wildfire Support Unit, and a water carrier were active in the Glenmore area. Operations there have included the deployment of specialist resources and helicopter water-bombing.
While park authorities indicated on Sunday afternoon that the Cairngorms fire was largely controlled and surrounded after covering an estimated four square kilometres at its height, the situation remains fluid. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has cautioned against complacency, noting that wildfire conditions can shift rapidly and unexpectedly. Road closures, including the Cairngorm Ski Road (C7) at Coylumbridge, remain in effect, and visitors have been instructed to avoid the area unless following specific registration protocols for displaced residents.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has requested that the public refrain from contacting Operations Control regarding the Edinburgh incident, as teams are already actively managing the site.
