What to do about Moray's wildfires?

Moray’s MSP is set to hold a public meeting on the recent wildfires next Monday.

Richard Lochhead will be joined in Dallas by the fire service and the police.

Mr Lochhead said: "In the last few weeks we’ve seen two large wildfires take hold in Moray and I’ve seen first-hand the blackened landscapes and the extent of the damage caused.

"I know that the increasing frequency of these fires locally is causing real concern in our rural communities, given the impact wildfires have on local landscapes, wildlife and habitats, as well as the potential threat they pose to infrastructure and homes.

"These recent fires were brought under control thanks to a monumental effort from local fire fighters, who worked alongside the police, gamekeepers, estate workers and other community volunteers, who rallied around to extinguish the fires under challenging conditions.

"I’ve had good discussions with Police Scotland and the Fire and Rescue Service about the need to be better prepared for wildfires, given that we expect to have more long, dry spells of weather in the future.

"A number of constituents have been in touch with me about a range of issues connected to the recent wildfires and the meeting will be a good opportunity for those to be aired and discussed."

The meeting is on Monday, June 3, at the Houldsworth Institute, as Dallas Village Hall. It will start at 7pm.