Praise heaped on emergency services after devastating wildfire

A spokesperson from Arran Ranger Service said: “The Glen Rosa fire is out. All access to Glen Rosa, Goatfell and Glen Sannox is back open. A huge thank you to all who helped put out the fire and those who supported the teams putting out the fire, it was truly Arran at it’s best!

“Thank you to Scottish Fire and Rescue Service teams from across Arran for co-ordinating and putting out the fire, Police Scotland Ayrshire team, led expertly on Arran by Sergeant Clare Neilson, Arran Mountain Rescue Team, Sannox Estate, Dougarie Estate, Forestry and Land Scotland team on Arran, Arran Footpaths and Forestry, Rab Logan, Stewart Lambie, Skyhook Helicopters, National Trust for Scotland garden team and many local volunteer who all helped put out the fire and man paths to stop walkers from entering the danger zone.

“Also thanks to Auchrannie Resort staff who were amazing in coming up with food and providing accommodation for Skyhooks pilot, and Woolies, Janies and the Dundee Bean Machine who also donated very welcomed food, and all those who left food donations at the fire stations.

“Finally thanks to North Ayrshire Council staff who closed paths, CalMac for putting announcements on the ferry and for everyone who shared posts on social media to get the word out about path closures.

“It was an amazing effort everyone, thanks so much. The devastation is enormous, but without you all, it would have been a whole lot worse!”

While the wildfire was still raging at the start of the weekend, Arran resident, Roxi Milligan started a community fundraiser to thank emergency services personnel and to raise funds for tree replacements. She said: “Everyone is aware of the terrible wildfire on Arran at the moment and the efforts being made by all of the emergency services to get this under control. These people must be absolutely exhausted in this heat having to ascend the hills in protective clothing just to get to the area before they even start to tackle the fires.

“Let’s show our appreciation to everyone involved and raise some funds for them all to enjoy a heartfelt thank you from the community of Arran and those who love Arran to enjoy something of their choice whether it’s a few cold beers to chill out and relax after this is all over, or if enough is raised, a relaxing meal.

“Arran has a magnificent community and although there will be people saying they get paid to do their job we all know this job is a massive one. So come one everyone, dig deep to show all these people that the Arran community is grateful to them putting their own lives at risk to save our beautiful island.”

If you wish to contribute to the fundraiser, donations can be made at www.gofundme.com/f/to-show-a-heartfelt-thank-you-to-our-services-on-arran

The exact cause of the fire on Arran has not been established, however, it is believed to have originated on a steep area not frequently accessed by visitors. The fire came after Scottish Fire and Rescue Service issued an ’extreme’ wildfire warning following two weeks of warm, dry weather across Scotland.

The lack of rain and warm weather resulted in a busy week for emergency services across Scotland with wildfires breaking out in Thurso, Stac Pollaidh, Glendale, Banchory, Kilpatrick Hills, Inverness, Cumbernauld, Inverkip, Rothsay, Pentalnd Hills and Galloway forest.