'Absolutely horrified': SNP says it has no plans for a dedicated wildfire helicopter

Communities hit by the devastating Cairngorms wildfire say they are “horrified” and “disgusted” after the Scottish Government confirmed it has “no plans” to purchase a dedicated wildfire helicopter. The SNP government is pushing ahead with plans to have private aerial resources contracted to be on stand-by across the country throughout the next wildfire season - but will not purchase a dedicated helicopter for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

Sandy McCook, chair of the Nethy Bridge Community Council, which was one of the worst affected areas by the Cairngorms wildfire, told The Scotsman: “I am absolutely horrified. “We have been shouting for this and the government was largely agreeing that we need a dedicated service, but it appears they will not be paying the bill. “It is beyond the pale and they are speaking with a forked tongue. Subscribe to The Steamie morning politics newsletter “I am absolutely disgusted and I feel let down that ministers are going back on the promises they made during the summer.

It is a horrifying prospect. “If this had been burning out of Edinburgh Castle, we would have seen a lot more action. It beggars belief, and [Justice Secretary] Neil Gray has never come north to see the effects of this fire.” Andrew Baxter, the Lib Dem MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, said: “I can’t fathom why the government is dragging their heels on this. “After this summer’s wildfires, ministers ought to be doing all that is possible to make sure Scotland is ready for the next wildfire season, but instead we are relying on commercial helicopter operators who have other things to do and may not be available when a fire starts.

“We need a specialist aerial firefighting service that will act swiftly, not something that exposes us.” He added: “I have consistently called for a cross-party meeting to sort out our national emergency response plan, but to no avail. “Ministers seem oblivious to my pleas. How many more warnings will they need? What will it take to get Neil Gray listening? Do I need to light a bonfire on the pitch at his beloved Pittodrie? “This is a matter of grave concern, and it is high time ministers stopped ignoring it.”

Tim Eagle, Conservative MSP for the Highlands and Islands, added: “The Cairngorms wildfire showed just how quickly these incidents can escalate and how important it is that the right resources are available when they are needed. “The Scottish Government’s position appears to be that they will simply contact private operators and hope a helicopter is available. “That is not the same thing as having guaranteed access to vital equipment during a major emergency.

“Firefighters do a tremendous job in incredibly difficult circumstances, but they need to know aerial support will actually be there when the call comes. “The Cairngorms fire should have been a wake-up call for the Scottish Government. Instead, serious questions remain about Scotland’s wildfire preparedness.” Justice Secretary Neil Gray said the helicopter commissioning and procurement process is the responsibility of NatureScot and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

He added: “The Scottish Government understands that existing arrangements for accessing aerial support continue to be available to the fire service as required. “When a wildfire danger assessment indicates a need for aerial support, the fire service can contact the helicopters to put them on stand-by. “There are currently no plans to invite tenders for a dedicated wildfire management helicopter, however, the Scottish Government will keep its approach to wildfire resilience under review, and consider future proposals regarding the provision of aerial wildfire support when appropriate.”