51AVÊÓÆµ

Controlled burning by farmers and gamekeepers has helped to save lives, Holyrood veteran says

Former Rural Affairs Secretary Fergus Ewing has warned restricting muirburn could make it harder for Scotland to deal with wildfires in the future

Chris Brayford
clock • 7 min read
Fergus Ewing, MSP for Inverness and Nairn said: "Without keepers and controlled muirburn, we ain’t seen nothing yet for wildfires in Scotland."
Image:

Fergus Ewing, MSP for Inverness and Nairn said: "Without keepers and controlled muirburn, we ain’t seen nothing yet for wildfires in Scotland."

Wildfire incidents this year could have been more severe in impact had farmers and gamekeepers not undertaken controlled burning practices on land, according to a Holyrood politician. Fergus Ewing,...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

Ìý

More on Politics

Report highlights need for 'full' consultation on IHT changes

Report highlights need for 'full' consultation on IHT changes

Should the Government heed calls from politicians and farmers to pause IHT changes until 2027 and hold a full consultation with the sector?

Chris Brayford
clock 02 February 2026 • 6 min read
Draconian planning policy hampers farm resilience as slurry season begins, says UFU

Draconian planning policy hampers farm resilience as slurry season begins, says UFU

The union says harsh weather conditions and a broken planning system have created a perfect storm for Northern Irelands farmers

clock 31 January 2026 • 2 min read
On US soil: 'US agriculture is not feeling we are being treated fairly'

On US soil: 'US agriculture is not feeling we are being treated fairly'

With the world’s focus on Donald Trump and US politics, how are American farmers feeling? One Ohio farmer gives his insight on the reality of the situation

Alex Black
clock 30 January 2026 • 4 min read