Fire Erupts on Edinburgh’s Arthur’s Seat, Crews Battle Blaze Visible Across the City

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A major fire broke out on Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh on 10 August 2025, sending flames and thick smoke billowing across the Scottish capital. Emergency services remain at the scene, with authorities urging the public to steer clear of the area while crews bring the blaze under control.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) confirmed that firefighters were dispatched shortly after reports of the fire emerged on Sunday afternoon. The landmark hill, which rises prominently in Holyrood Park, is one of the city’s most recognisable natural features and a popular destination for both residents and visitors.

Police Scotland has issued warnings to motorists and pedestrians to avoid the vicinity, citing safety concerns and the need to keep access routes clear for emergency vehicles. A spokesperson for the SFRS stated, “There are no reported casualties at this time and crews remain at the scene.”

The cause of the fire is not yet known, and investigators are expected to begin examining the site once the flames are fully extinguished.

Arthur’s Seat has long been a focal point for tourists, walkers, and photographers, offering panoramic views of Edinburgh, the Firth of Forth, and the surrounding Lothian countryside. The summer season typically draws increased numbers of visitors, and this weekend the city has been particularly busy with large-scale events.

The annual Edinburgh Festival Fringe, one of the world’s largest arts festivals, is currently underway, bringing in tens of thousands of performers and audience members from across the globe. In addition, fans of the band Oasis have flocked to the city for two consecutive nights of concerts at Murrayfield Stadium, headlined by Liam and Noel Gallagher. The influx of visitors has put additional pressure on the city’s roads, accommodation, and public services, with the blaze adding further disruption.

Local residents have described seeing “large plumes of smoke” rising from Holyrood Park, visible from as far away as Leith and the western suburbs. One witness, James McArthur, who lives near Meadowbank, told local media, “You could see the smoke stretching across the skyline. It’s unsettling to watch a place so familiar be consumed like that.”

Fire crews are expected to remain in attendance for several hours, ensuring that the fire is completely out and preventing any possible flare-ups. SFRS has urged the public to follow police advice and avoid gathering near the scene, both for safety and to allow firefighting efforts to proceed without obstruction.

Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano, has occasionally experienced smaller grass and gorse fires in previous summers, but incidents on this scale are less common. While the extent of the damage to the hillside has yet to be assessed, conservation teams are likely to monitor the site in the coming weeks to determine any impact on the park’s wildlife and vegetation.

Authorities are appealing for any witnesses or individuals with relevant information to come forward as investigations continue.