Calls to ban disposable BBQs across Scotland after recent wildfires

A petition has been launched urging for a ban on disposable barbecues in Scotland.

This follows a spate of wildfires across the country this year, including two weeks ago when fires ripped through areas of Highland and Moray.

Large parts of the Carrbridge, Grantown-on-Spey, Dava and Upper Knockando areas were affected by wildfires, with an investigation into the cause still ongoing.

However, a recent wildfire in the Trossachs has been blamed on a disposable barbecue as one was found with a burnt burger on it following a large blaze.

'No longer worth the risk'

The calls for legislation would involve banning the sale of disposable barbecues by retailers and introduce on the spot fines for anyone using a disposable barbecue in Scotland.

Within the background information of the petition, concerns surrounding a rise of "irresponsible outdoor access" are highlighted.

It reads: "The heat transferred when placed on the ground can cause peat, heather and/or grass to burn which can start a fire.

"They are also a nightmare to dispose of and cannot be recycled.

"There are several safer and more environmentally friendly alternatives for those wishing to have a barbecue outdoors.

"As climate change progresses, the continued use of disposable barbecues poses an increasing threat of causing wildfires, which continue to cause devastation to our communities and wild places across Scotland."

Paul White, from Aviemore, started the petition and feels it's time to take action.

He said: "Even if they don't directly cause a wildfire, disposable barbecues have always been a nightmare for use.

"They've always caused damage to the ground underneath, and they've always been an issue for disposing of as well.

"We just feel it is no longer worth the risk for them to be sold and to be used in Scotland."

In March, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) stated how two thirds of wildfires are accidental with the most common causes recorded as discarded cigarettes or unattended campfires.

Referring to the petition, a Scottish Government spokesperson said: "We fully understand the concerns about the risk of wild fires and thank all of those who have worked so hard to deal with them in the past weeks.

"The regulation of product safety is a reserved matter and as such is one on which only the UK Parliament may legislate."

The UK Government declined to comment.