Public and private sector leaders have pledged to work together to tackle the growing threat of wildfires in Moray following a summit in Elgin.
Representatives from Moray Council, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Police Scotland, Scottish Land and Estates, the Cairngorms National Park Authority and local communities met to confront what many now see as a new normal.
The discussions were shaped by the devastating fires of 2025, including the Dava Moor blaze, the largest ever recorded in Scotland, and a major incident at Culbin Forest.
Those events left scars on land and livelihoods.
They also changed the tone of the conversation.
At the summit, agencies shared experiences from the frontline and from land management, exploring how better coordination could prevent fires, improve response times and strengthen long term resilience.
The aim is to develop an Integrated Wildfire Management Plan for Moray that brings together emergency services, land managers and public bodies under one joined up approach.
Cllr Kathleen Robertson, Chair of the Community Planning Board, said:
“The summit brought together partners from across the public and private sectors to work more closely on wildfire management.
“By agreeing to share expertise and coordinate efforts, we are laying the groundwork for an Integrated Wildfire Management Plan that will better protect our communities, our environment and our economy from the very real threat of wildfires in Moray.”
Area Commander Andrew Wright of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said:
“We know that the risk from wildfires continues to grow, not only in northern areas of Scotland but all other parts of the country, and our crews are ready to respond to any emergencies that might occur.
“Our national service already has more than 30 fire stations equipped with dedicated wildfire equipment and resources, as well as a team of wildfire tactical advisers who can provide strategic support at incidents.
“Partnership working to tackle wildfires is essential and we will continue to collaborate with land managers, public bodies and partners to enhance our response to these incidents.
“The public should also be aware of any wildfire warnings that are issued by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and take action by not lighting outdoor fires during these high risk periods.”
Grant Moir, Chief Executive of the Cairngorms National Park Authority, said:
“The summit was a welcome opportunity to discuss the growing risk of wildfires and share learnings about how we can be more resilient.
“Our upcoming fire byelaw banning campfires and barbecues in the Cairngorms National Park over the spring and summer months is one of a range of steps we’re taking to mitigate fire risk.
“It complements the Integrated Wildfire Management Plan which was published last year to support communities and land managers in the National Park.
“We look forward to continuing to work closely with partners including Moray Council to share best practice and support each other on this important issue.”
Ross Ewing of Scottish Land and Estates added:
“It is great to see a local authority taking seriously the growing risk of wildfire following an unprecedented year.
“It is vital that public and private sectors work closely to enhance our collective preparedness and response, as well as doing all we can to prevent fires from taking hold in the first instance.
“We look forward to continuing to work with Moray Council as they take forward their work to create an integrated wildfire management plan for Moray.”
With warmer, drier spells becoming more common, the challenge is no longer theoretical.
For Moray, the work now turns from discussion to action.
