Scotland must overhaul its approach to wildfires after communities were forced to rely on extraordinary local efforts during the devastating 2026 Cairngorms fire, Graham Leadbitter has warned.

The Strathspey MP has published a report drawing on the experiences of residents, businesses, emergency responders, landowners and community organisations, with six changes proposed to improve Scotland’s preparedness for future major wildfires.

Leadbitter’s report praises firefighters, landowners, contractors, volunteers, businesses and communities for their response to the emergency, but argues that exceptional personal commitment was too often required to compensate for weaknesses in national and local systems.

It calls for an integrated local wildfire plan alongside clearer arrangements for escalating incidents and bringing in outside assistance when local resources are overwhelmed.

A permanent communication and evacuation framework is also recommended, together with appropriate protective equipment and welfare arrangements for firefighters.

The report calls for reliable access to aerial firefighting capability and a system capable of providing rapid financial support to businesses and community organisations affected by major incidents.

Among the experiences highlighted is that of Glenmore Campsite, which evacuated more than 500 customers during the wildfire and subsequently suffered more than 900 booking cancellations.

The report argues that the experience demonstrated the wider consequences major wildfires can have for communities and businesses long after the immediate danger has passed.

Leadbitter said:

“The people who fought this fire deserve enormous credit.

“Firefighters, landowners, Gamekeepers, Rangers, volunteers, businesses and local residents went above and beyond to protect our communities.

“But we cannot rely on exceptional people to compensate for inadequate systems.

“We need proper wildfire plans before the flames start, clear communication when an emergency happens, the right equipment and welfare support for those fighting it, and the ability to get effective aerial firefighting capability quickly.

“The Cairngorms wildfire must be a turning point.

“We cannot produce another report in five years saying that we knew the risks but failed to act.

“By Spring 2027, there should be a clear plan, clear responsibilities and clear deadlines for making Scotland better prepared.

“Exceptional people should be supported by exceptional systems, not expected to substitute for them.”

The report also calls on the Scottish Government’s review of the Cairngorms wildfire to examine recommendations made previously and establish which have been implemented and which remain outstanding.

It wants clear responsibility assigned for unfinished work alongside firm timescales for action.

Leadbitter’s report will now be shared with the Scottish Government, emergency services, public bodies, businesses, landowners and representative organisations as well as constituents who contacted his office about the wildfire and its impact.

At the heart of its recommendations is a simple warning drawn from the experience of the Cairngorms fire, that remarkable local determination can help communities through an emergency, but it cannot be Scotland’s wildfire strategy.