Baxter urges First Minister to back independent Cairngorms wildfire review

Scottish Liberal Democrat rural affairs spokesperson and MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch Andrew Baxter has written to First Minister John Swinney urging him to commit to a genuinely independent review of the response to the Cairngorms wildfire.

Highland Council unanimously backed the call for a review last week. 

Mr Baxter, who is also a Highland councillor, spoke in favour of the motion. He said the same demand was voiced overwhelmingly by farmers, crofters and residents at the wildfire summit he attended in Aviemore.

Andrew Baxter said:

“People who lived through this fire have raised serious questions about preparedness, communication and the resources available. They deserve answers they can trust.

“The Scottish Government and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are already reviewing the response, but communities should not be asked to accept those involved marking their own homework.

“An independent review would give local people a voice, establish what needs to change and help us prepare for the next major wildfire. The First Minister should listen to the Highland Council and the communities affected.”