Geologists inspect Arthur’s Seat to see if road can be reopened after fire

Geologists have been inspecting the rock faces above an Edinburgh road to assess whether it can be reopened following the Arthur’s Seat wildfires.

The High Road has been closed for more than six weeks since the huge blaze started on 10 August, during the Edinburgh Festival.

Historic Environment Scotland, which manages the royal park, said the fire had burnt away the gorse that stopped rocks falling on to the road below.

A geologist report is due in October. Park officials will then make a decision on whether the road, which is used by cyclists, runners and walkers, can be reopened.

The road runs around the back of Arthur’s Seat on the opposite side to where the Palace of Holyrood House sits in Holyrood Park.

A Historic Scotland spokesperson said: “There has been an increase in rockfalls impacting the High Road in Holyrood Park due to the recent wildfire burning away the gorse that provided protection from these events.

“Independent engineering geologists have attended site to carry out inspections of the rock faces above the road.

“They are now completing their report and carrying out a trajectory analysis of the slopes.

“We are expecting to receive these results in October which will dictate our next steps.”