Volcanoice blaze erupts on notable Edinburgh landmark, Arthur's Seat
Fire Rages on at Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh
A wildfire has been burning on Arthur's Seat, a popular hiking spot and landmark in Edinburgh, Scotland, since Sunday afternoon. The initial report of the fire came in around 4:05 p.m. local time, and as of more than five hours later, the blaze was still not extinguished.
Arthur's Seat, which stands 251m (823.5 ft) above sea level, offers breathtaking views of Edinburgh and is a significant tourist attraction. The site is home to a large fort dating back around 2,000 years and St Anthony's Chapel, a 15th century medieval ruin. It is situated in Holyrood Park, near the Scottish Parliament and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service reported that a large area of shrubbery was affected by the blaze. Thankfully, no casualties have been reported. The cause of the fire was not shared by the fire service.
Chris Murray, a member of the Scottish Parliament, advised those in the vicinity of Arthur's Seat to take care. The police have also advised motorists and pedestrians to avoid the area around Arthur's Seat.
The fires at Arthur's Seat are not an isolated incident. In 2025, during a heatwave period, Scotland had the driest start to the year since 1964, according to Scottish Water. That year, Arthur's Seat was the scene of significant wildfires, which disrupted the Fringe Festival weekend and prompted an overnight firefighting response. Scottish firefighters have responded to blazes at Arthur's Seat in 2022, 2020, and 2019 as well.
These fires appear consistent with increasing wildfire risks linked to heatwaves and dry conditions. The 2025 wildfires garnered attention as part of a concerning pattern of summer fires spurred by extreme weather.
Scots were asked by Scottish Water in May to use water efficiently to protect resources and maintain normal supplies across the country. It is crucial that everyone follows this advice, especially during periods of dry weather, to help prevent the spread of wildfires.
As the firefighters continue to battle the blaze at Arthur's Seat, we hope for a swift resolution and for the safety of all those involved. We will keep you updated on any developments.
References:
- BBC News
- The Guardian
- Scottish Water
- Scottish Water
- The Scotsman
The fires at Arthur's Seat, a significant tourist attraction in Scotland, are not an unusual incident. In the past, years like 2022, 2020, and 2019 have witnessed fire incidents at the site, and most notably in 2025, during a dry spell reminiscent of 1964, the site saw severe wildfires that disrupted the Fringe Festival weekend. These recurring wildfires in the UK, particularly at Arthur's Seat, seem to be a symptom of increasing wildfire risks associated with heatwaves and dry weather conditions, mirrorings a concerning global trend.
