That the Parliament notes with grave concern the reported increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires in Scotland, including in the Highlands and Islands, and the devastating impact these events have on the environment, economy and communities; recognises what it sees as the unique vulnerability of the Highlands and Islands due to its expansive rural landscape, peatlands and the changing climate; highlights what it sees as the significant risks posed to biodiversity, air quality and critical infrastructure; recognises what it sees as the immense pressure that is placed on emergency services, local resources and the resilience efforts that are required from everyone, from government to third sector volunteers; notes the reported role of climate change, land management practices and human activity in contributing to these events, and further notes the calls on the Scottish Government to review its wildfire prevention and response strategies, and for cross-party collaboration to develop a robust, long-term plan to mitigate the threat of wildfires, discourage irresponsible behaviours and build resilience in communities.
Supported by:
Alasdair Allan, Colin Beattie, Miles Briggs, Ariane Burgess, Maggie Chapman, Bob Doris, Jackie Dunbar, Tim Eagle, Kenneth Gibson, Ross Greer, Emma Harper, Patrick Harvie, Bill Kidd, Monica Lennon, Fulton MacGregor, Rona Mackay, Ruth Maguire, Paul McLennan, Audrey Nicoll, Douglas Ross, Mark Ruskell, David Torrance, Mercedes Villalba, Elena Whitham, Brian Whittle