Crofters and farmers in the Cairngorms have demanded a comprehensive moorland-fire plan within six months after a major wildfire began on 15 July and burned for nearly five weeks. Over 300 people met ministers and SFRS officials in Aviemore to press for urgent action and an independent review. Authorities say a multi-agency debrief and a new long-term wildfire strategy are under way; more than £500,000 in recovery grants has been distributed to affected businesses.
Crofters and Farmers Demand Six-Month Moorland-Fire Plan After Devastating Cairngorms Blaze
The wildfire in the Cairngorms burned for several weeks. [PA Media]
Crofters and farmers across the Cairngorms have called on the Scottish government to deliver a comprehensive moorland-fire plan within six months, following a second major summer wildfire in as many years in the UK's largest national park.
Public Meeting in Aviemore
More than 300 people attended a public meeting in Aviemore on Friday organised by Cairngorms Crofters and Farmers. Attendees pressed Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie and a senior Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) officer for urgent action and clearer protocols after the seven-week emergency response to the blaze.
What Happened
The wildfire broke out in the Glenmore area on 15 July and took firefighters, gamekeepers and land managers nearly five weeks to bring under control. The blaze destroyed an estimated 10 square miles (about 25 sq km) of moorland and forest; local people described the damage as "apocalyptic." A major incident was declared on day 10 and some residents and businesses were evacuated from Nethy Bridge.
Community Demands
Local land users want a clear, time-bound plan to reduce the risk and limit the spread of future fires. Robert MacDonald, chairman of Cairngorms Crofters and Farmers, said attendees received assurances but urged faster delivery:
"We were assured that they were making all the efforts possible to put protocols in place and that they hoped to have systems going forward that would enable them to bring fires like this under control a lot quicker and a lot more efficiently."
Officials' Response
Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie said meeting local communities was important to ensure their experiences shape response and recovery efforts. He emphasised the role of land management measures such as regulated muirburn, fire breaks and vegetation management in reducing wildfire risk.
"The strength and resilience shown by local communities during this difficult time was articulated loud and clear during the meeting," Fairlie said.
SFRS deputy assistant chief officer Kenny Barbour said community insights will be captured in a formal debrief and used to improve operational response. He confirmed the fire service is developing a long-term wildfire strategy and is committed to strengthening partnership working to build local resilience.
Reviews, Recovery And Funding
Highland Council has agreed to write to the Scottish government seeking an independent review of the incident, while the government has pledged a multi-agency debrief. In parallel, the Scottish government's Cairngorms Fire Recovery Fund — administered by Highland Council — has so far distributed more than £500,000 to support affected businesses, with 14 grants paid to date.
Next steps: Communities expect a published plan and clear timelines within six months, alongside improved communication between agencies, land managers and local groups to prevent and respond to future wildfires more effectively.
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