Emergency teams across Highlands hailed over response to climate chaos
Specialist teams working to try and restore road and rail links and emergency crews battling a twin crises of severe flooding and wildfires have been hailed as front line heroes in the fight against climate chaos.
Highlands and Islands MSP Ariane Burgess said she was grateful the extreme weather in her region has “so far” not resulted in deaths or further injuries after two fire-fighters were hurt during a forest blaze.
Pictures have shown how major floods have closed the West Highland Line between Fort Willian and Crianlarich, part of which was caused by a landslip on the A76.
Drivers on the A82 have faced a 100 mile diversion around Inverness while Mountain Rescue teams helped a driver on the B863 trapped between landslides at Glencoe and Kinlochleven.
Several major wildfires at Daviot and Cannich have stretched emergency resources and forced some residents to flee to safety last week, as the Highlands become the epicentre of extreme weather events.
Ms Burgess said:
“Rescue crews have been fighting wildfires one day, tackling floods the next. Engineers and specialist teams have been assessing roads and rail lines damaged by landslides and floodwaters, while SEPA have been issuing warnings over water scarcity in our lochs and reservoirs.
“This isn’t just a crisis, it is climate chaos, and I want to thank all those who have responded to these major incidents from the bottom of my heart. They are now on the frontline of the new normal, and we must ensure they have all the resources they need.
“Anyone with any remaining doubts about the impacts of climate change need only come up to the Highlands to get a flavour of what is to come. Miles of charred countryside juxtaposed next to flooded rail lines and rock strewn roads.
“When the Scottish Greens talk about the need to act with urgency over climate, when we talk about a Just Transition, changing our habits, phasing out gas boilers in our homes, bringing in deposit return schemes, improving public transport, investing in nature or working with communities to protect marine life - this, this is why.
“This is the reality and unless we recognise the problem, unless we take steps to mitigate it, things will only get worse. It is not too late, but we need all of us, politicians and people from all parties and none, to work together to prevent these apocalyptic scenes.
“I know organisations across the region will be working hard to help mitigate the disruption that has been caused. No words can adequately express the thanks we owe to all those keeping us safe, but the best way we can help is to act responsibly in lessening the threat we and they are up against.”