- Major gorse fire breaks out at Edinburgh’s iconic Arthur’s Seat during festival season.
- Firefighters work overnight; blaze likely linked to human activity.
- No injuries reported, but steep terrain made containment challenging.
A dramatic gorse fire swept across Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh late Sunday, sending columns of dark smoke over the Scottish capital. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) deployed multiple appliances and specialist units to battle the flames on the steep hillside.
By early Monday morning, the fire was largely under control, with crews remaining on-site to extinguish lingering hotspots. SFRS Group Commander Neil MacLennan indicated the blaze was almost certainly triggered by human activity, noting that natural wildfires are rare in the UK.
Edinburgh’s Arthur’s Seat Hit by Overnight Gorse Fire Amid Festival Crowds
Arthur’s Seat, a historic extinct volcano rising above the city centre, is one of Edinburgh’s most visited landmarks. Known for its sweeping panoramic views, it draws thousands of tourists and locals each summer. The timing of the fire coincided with a surge in visitors for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, as well as two sold-out Oasis concerts at Murrayfield Stadium.
Emergency services responded swiftly after reports of the fire came in on Sunday afternoon. Four fire engines and additional specialist units were dispatched, navigating the challenging slopes of Holyrood Park to contain the flames. The windy conditions and dry vegetation allowed the fire to spread quickly before crews managed to control its perimeter.
Officials have not confirmed whether the fire was accidental or deliberate, but human involvement remains the most probable cause. The park’s high foot traffic during summer months increases the risk of such incidents, especially in dry weather. Authorities are expected to carry out further investigations to determine the precise cause.
This is not the first time Arthur’s Seat has been hit by a blaze. In 2019, a similar fire burned through gorse on its slopes, keeping firefighters on the scene for more than eight hours. That incident also occurred during dry weather conditions, underscoring the site’s vulnerability to wildfires.
The Arthur’s Seat fire serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by careless human behaviour in natural areas, particularly during peak tourism seasons.
“It’s very rare for any natural wildfires to start in this country… there will have been some form of human interaction.” – Neil MacLennan, SFRS Group Commander
