EMERGENCY service workers battling severe flooding and wildfires have been hailed as heroes by the Scottish Greens, who say extreme weather is the "new normal" caused by climate change.
Major floods have closed the West Highland Line rail service between Fort William and Crianlarich, which was caused in part by a landslip on the A76.
Meanwhile, Scottish Mountain Rescue teams helped a driver on the B863 trapped between landslides at Glencoe and Kinlochleven.
Over the weekend, several major wildfires at Daviot and Cannich in the Highlands stretched emergency resources and forced some residents to flee to safety.
Scottish Greens MSP for the Highlands and Islands, Ariane Burgess, said she was grateful the extreme weather in her region has "so far" not resulted in deaths or further injuries after two firefighters were hurt while tackling a forest blaze.
She 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.
“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."
Great weather at the weekend, but it wasn't without its challenges. The vast majority of visitors came & went without issue. But we still smelled smoke on both days, and had to chase down numerous campfires, firebowls and BBQs at a time of high fire risk. pic.twitter.com/RamEz0Iohg
— Mar Lodge Estate (@MarLodgeNTS) June 13, 2023
The Mar Lodge estate in the Cairngorms National Park also reported having to "chase down" several campfires and BBQs over the weekend, which are not permitted in the park due to the high risk of wildfires.
The estate added that workers were also forced to clean up three "dirty campsites" after visitors abandoned their camping equipment and litter.
