Blaze at Calton Hill Engulfs Edinburgh’s Celtic Heritage Site..
A dramatic fire erupted this afternoon at Calton Hill, the iconic “Celtic park” revered for its ancient monuments and panoramic views over Scotland’s capital. Eyewitnesses reported thick black smoke billowing from the hilltop around 2 PM, as flames rapidly consumed dry autumn grass and encroached on the National Monument, a half-built Parthenon replica honoring Napoleonic War dead.
Emergency services, including four fire engines from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, responded swiftly, battling the blaze for over two hours. Officials confirmed no injuries, crediting quick evacuation of nearby Samhuinn Fire Festival preparations—Edinburgh’s annual Celtic winter ritual, ironically set to ignite bonfires tonight. The festival, organized by the Beltane Fire Society, draws thousands to celebrate ancient Samhain traditions with music, dance, and pyrotechnics, but organizers postponed evening events pending safety clearance.
Preliminary investigations point to a discarded cigarette butt igniting parched foliage amid gusty winds, exacerbated by climate-dried conditions. “This hill is a living piece of our Celtic soul,” said local historian Eilidh MacGregor. “We’ve lost greenery, but the stones endure.” Cleanup crews worked into dusk, while city officials vowed enhanced fire prevention for future heritage sites.
The incident underscores growing wildfire risks in urban green spaces, with experts urging visitors to “leave no trace.” Calton Hill remains closed until morning; festival-goers are advised to check updates.
