Tag: Cairngorms National Park

Progress in tackling Cairngorm wildfire

  • Major Incident Declaration lifted last night
  • Evacuated residents advised it is safe to return home

First Minister John Swinney has welcomed the news that residents of Nethy Bridge affected by the precautionary evacuations prompted by the Cairngorms wildfire have been advised they can return home.

At a meeting of the Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGORR) this evening the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) reported good progress in strengthening fire breaks to protect residential areas and said the number of hot spots are reducing. Two helicopters have each been dropping between 20,000 and 40,000 litres an hour on the areas affected.

The meeting was chaired by the First Minister with Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth, Justice Secretary Neil Gray and Net Zero Secretary Gillian Martin also in attendance, along with representatives from the SFRS, Police Scotland, Highland Council and Cairngorms National Park.

The First Minister said last night: “Efforts to tackle the wildfire in the Cairngorms are in their tenth day, and changeable weather conditions have presented a range of challenges for those on the ground. I praise their resilience and tireless efforts to bring it under control.

“With residents in Nethy Bridge now able to return to their homes, Police Scotland have lifted the Major Incident declaration. I want to stress however, that the Scottish Government, the emergency services and all relevant authorities will continue to treat this wildfire, as has been the case since its onset, with the utmost seriousness and necessary resources until the last flames are out.

“I have been heartened to hear of the cooperation and support from the local community – an appeal earlier today for assistance with the provision of plant machinery to help firefighting efforts was responded to quickly and no further equipment is needed at this time.

“We do ask for the continued patience of members of the public and their cooperation in staying away from the area both for their own safety and to enable those on the scene to focus on the task at hand.”

The Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGORR) will meet again today. 

Police Scotland Superintendent Judy Hill said last night: “I would want to reassure our communities that the ongoing multi agency response remains a high priority, with significant partnership resources and volunteers working tirelessly and in challenging circumstances, to support our efforts to extinguish the fires.

“Thanks to the efforts of fire crews, gamekeepers, contractors, partners and many others over the past 24 hours, there is no longer the immediate threat which prompted the evacuation of properties in Nethy Bridge.

“We are grateful to the community for their support and understanding in what has been a period of concern and disruption.”

The major incident, declared by Police Scotland on Friday night as a result of a change in weather conditions due to the immediate risk to the community, has been stood down while Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Police Scotland and our Local Response Partners continue to put all required resources to tacking the fire.

Firefighters will continue to maintain a significant operational presence until the incident is safely concluded. Seventy five firefighters have remained on the ground today, working alongside partner agencies, and more than 30 heavy machinery operators, to tackle areas of fire affecting land near Nethy Bridge. Helicopter water-bombing has continued and remains a vital part of supporting crews on the ground.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has thanked volunteers who have offered assistance. Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Kenny Barbour said: “The decision to stand down the major incident follows a detailed assessment by emergency responders. 

“The extensive work carried out over recent days, including the creation of effective fire breaks, has significantly reduced the risk to nearby communities, allowing evacuated residents to safely return home.

“Public safety remains our absolute priority. We want to reassure local communities that we will maintain a significant operational response until the incident has been safely concluded and we will continue to monitor the situation closely.

“We would also like to thank everyone who has supported the response, including the heavy machinery operators, Forestry and Land Scotland, the Cairngorms National Park Authority, landowners, estate game keepers, volunteers and our emergency service partners.”

A total of more than 500 firefighters have been involved in the response since the incident began on 15 July.

The existing advice for those living in the affected areas and the areas that are currently being impacted by the spread of smoke, including Aberdeenshire and Moray, are asked to keep all windows and doors closed.

Anyone with concerns should visit NHS Highland.

Cairngorms National Park wildfire: Major incident declared

  • SGORR meets to discuss evacuation of Nethy Bridge
  • Police Scotland declares major incident as emergency services respond to wildfire near Nethy Bridge

Police Scotland has declared a major incident as emergency services continue to respond to the ongoing wildfire within the Cairngorms National Park.

The decision follows a significant change in weather conditions, with strengthening winds contributing to increased unpredictable fire behaviour and the spread of the wildfire towards Nethy Bridge.

As a precaution, all residents of Nethy Bridge are being evacuated to allow emergency services to continue their operational response safely and effectively. Residents are being directed to a dedicated respite centre at the Macdonald Aviemore Resort and access roads into Nethy Bridge have been closed.

Superintendent Judy Hill, Police Scotland, said: “The weather conditions experienced within the Cairngorms over the last 24 hours have added further complexities to this situation. With evidence suggesting the fire is spreading towards Nethy Bridge, the decision has been taken to declare a major incident and evacuate residents as a precaution.

“Additional police resources are being deployed to assist in contacting those who need to leave their properties and to maintain cordons around restricted areas while our fire service colleagues continue to tackle the wildfire.

“We understand this is a very concerning time for residents, businesses and visitors to the Cairngorms region. Please be assured that the multi-agency response remains fully committed to bringing this incident to a safe conclusion as quickly as possible.”

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has maintained a significant operational response since the wildfire was first reported on Wednesday, 15 July.

More than 500 firefighters have been mobilised over the course of the incident, alongside specialist wildfire appliances, all-terrain vehicles, helicopter water-bombing operations and partner agencies.

Firefighters continue to work across a vast and challenging landscape alongside Forestry and Land Scotland, the Cairngorms National Park Authority, landowners, estate gamekeepers and emergency service partners.

Their expertise, local knowledge and support have been instrumental in helping crews respond to this complex and dynamic incident.

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Kenny Barbour said: “Our firefighters, specialist resources and partners have worked tirelessly over the past nine days to respond to this challenging and complex wildfire incident.

“The combination of prolonged dry conditions, strengthening winds and challenging terrain has created an extremely complex operational environment. Large areas of the fire ground are inaccessible by vehicle or on foot, making helicopter water-bombing operations and specialist wildfire tactics essential to our response.

“Throughout this incident, partnership working has been fundamental. I would like to thank Forestry and Land Scotland, the Cairngorms National Park Authority, landowners, estate gamekeepers and our emergency service partners, whose expertise, local knowledge and continued support have been invaluable in helping us protect communities and the natural environment.

“More than 500 firefighters have been mobilised since the incident began, supported by specialist wildfire appliances, all-terrain vehicles, helicopters and partner agencies. We will continue to maintain a significant operational response for as long as it is required.

“We recognise this is an extremely worrying time for those affected, particularly residents who have been asked to leave their homes. Public safety remains our absolute priority, and we ask everyone to continue following the advice of Police Scotland and to stay away from the affected areas while firefighting operations remain ongoing.”

Members of the public should continue to avoid the affected areas within the Cairngorms National Park. The area remains unsafe due to active firefighting operations, rapidly changing fire conditions and helicopter activity.

The following areas remain closed or subject to access restrictions:

• Paths around Glenmore, Loch Morlich and Badaguish.
• Low-level routes including the Old Logging Way and routes providing access to Cairngorm Mountain, the Northern Corries, Meall A’ Bhuachaille, the Green Loch (Lochan Uaine), Strath Nethy and Bynack More.
• Paths within Abernethy Forest to the south of Forest Lodge towards Ryvoan Bothy.
Residents are urged to follow all advice issued by Police Scotland and emergency services.

Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.

The Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGORR) met last night to discuss the evacuation of Nethy Bridge after Police Scotland declared the Cairngorms National Park wildfire a major incident.

The meeting was chaired by First Minister John Swinney and attended by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), Police Scotland, Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth, Justice Secretary Neil Gray and other Ministers and partners.

The First Minister said: “This is clearly a very serious situation and is a hugely concerning and anxious time for residents and businesses in Nethy Bridge, and my thoughts are with them.

“As a result of changes in wind conditions that intensified the pace of spread of the wildfire, Police Scotland declared a major incident requiring the evacuation of the village of Nethy Bridge as a precaution.

“SFRS resources are focussed on creating a fire break and additional police resources are being deployed to assist with the evacuation, including identifying vulnerable residents who may need extra support. Residents are being directed to a respite centre in Aviemore, where Highland Council can provide support and advice.

“I am extremely grateful to all the first responders who have been working hard to control this fire since it was first reported last Wednesday. I remain in continued contact with SFRS and partners and SGORR will convene again.

“This is a serious situation and I strongly urge people to continue to follow all advice from emergency services and transport authorities and continue to avoid the affected areas in the Cairngorms National Park.”

SATURDAY 25 JULY UPDATE

Resilience Room reconvenes to discuss ongoing incident

The Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGORR) reconvened this morning at 7am to review the position on the Cairngorms National Park wildfire.

The meeting was chaired by First Minister John Swinney and attended by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), Police Scotland, other partners, Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth and Justice Secretary Neil Gray.

A precautionary evacuation of Nethy Bridge began on Friday 24 July 2026 after Police Scotland declared a major incident following changes in wind conditions that intensified the pace of spread of the wildfire.

A fire break around the village was established overnight, new fire breaks are being constructed and SFRS is deploying additional resources.

The First Minister said: “This continues to be a very serious situation. Residents, businesses and people staying in the affected areas will understandably be very worried. My thoughts are with them and I thank them for their understanding.

“With the fire changing to be in the direction of Nethy Bridge yesterday afternoon, a precautionary evacuation was put in place and a fire break was successfully established overnight to protect the village. Police officers visited all properties in Nethy Bridge and officers are in the village today to support residents.

“The wind has changed direction overnight, which means the track of the fire has altered once again and the threat to Nethy Bridge has reduced, for the moment at least. Ground and helicopter resources are being focused on the current path of the fire and new fire breaks constructed.

“This demonstrates how these situations can change very quickly and dramatically, reflecting the challenges being faced by SFRS and the other responders tackling this wildfire. It does not mean however that anyone should return to that area until they have been given the go-ahead to do so. Further decisions will be taken later today by the Local Resilience Partnership and the Scottish Government Resilience Room will also reconvene.

“I remain extremely grateful to the emergency services and all those involved who are working tirelessly to control this fire and support local residents. I reiterate the message that people in the area must follow the advice of emergency services and the Cairngorms National Park –  it is essential people avoid the affected areas.”

Cairngorms Wildfire Update

Police and partners continue to respond to a large fire near to Ryvoan Bothy within the Cairngorms National Park.

The fire was reported around 11.50am on Wednesday, 15 July, 2026, and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service remain on scene.

Police Scotland is co-ordinating a multi-agency response and a number of properties and premises in the area have been evacuated as a precaution.

The C7 road, known locally as Ski Road, is closed at Coylumbridge.

Please avoid the area and check with your accommodation if you are due to travel in the coming days to check if it is still accessible.

Police have assisted walkers off the hill, and we are advising remaining walkers to continue to make efforts to get to safety. Anyone requiring emergency assistance should call 999. Please let family or friends know when you have returned.

The Care for People plans are in place, and partners have been in touch with vulnerable people in the area.

Nearby residents are asked to keep windows and doors closed. Anyone concerned about symptoms should check NHS24.

Unmanned aircraft should not be flown close to or within the airspace.

Drone pilots and operators are reminded it is an offence to fly over an ongoing emergency response without prior permission from emergency services.

Please check NOTAM information and Drone Safety Map before flying.

For more information, visit: https://notaminfo.com/ukmap

SCOTTISH Fire and Rescue Service said earlier: ‘We are currently in attendance at a large fire in the open near to Ryvoan Bothy within the Cairngorms National Park.

Operations Control were first alerted at 11.49am and we have mobilised four fire appliances and specialist wildfire resources to the area. There are no reported casualties.

‘Due to large volumes of smoke travelling towards populated areas nearby, residents in Aviemore, Glenmore and the surrounding communities should keep their windows and doors closed. If you are within this area and can see or smell smoke, please follow the same advice.

‘While we want people to enjoy the good weather, we ask that anyone in the Cairngorms National Park near to Aviemore and Glenmore avoids the area.’

Make the most of it! Over a third of Brits say they don’t make enough of their free time

Scotland’s National Outdoor Training Centre launches new campaign after 35% of people said they wished their life had more adventure

With the constant responsibilities of work and life taking precedence over our days, it can be difficult to break out of daily patterns and find time for real fun.

Research by Glenmore Lodge, Scotland’s National Outdoor Training Centre, has revealed that nearly a third (31%) of people said their life was too full of routine, with 30% admitting they wish they had the confidence to try more hobbies. This rises to nearly half (47%) for those aged 25-34 as new adults struggle to find their passions. 

The research shows that Brits are too often letting their precious free time go to waste. 38% of Brits  admitted they don’t make the most of their free time, and this increases to 41% of 25-34 year olds, as young professionals battle with finding the perfect work-life balance.

With many having demanding jobs, it comes as no surprise that nearly a quarter (24%) said that work gets in the way of doing what they love.

To encourage people to make the most of their free time and bring more adventure into their lives, Glenmore Lodge is launching a new campaign, #GlenMOREadventure, encouraging Brits to explore new hobbies that may have previously felt out of reach by helping them learn these skills in a safe and supportive setting.

Scotland’s National Outdoor Training Centre aims to offer world class training in outdoor adventure sports and encourage more people to enjoy the outdoors in exciting new ways, and maybe even find a passion for something new.

Research found the adventure sports people would most like to learn are: 

  1. Paddle boarding (22%)
  2. Hiking (19%)
  3. Skiing (19%)
  4. Rocking climbing (19%)
  5. White water kayaking (17%)
  6. Mountain biking (15%)

The research also found that half (50%) of Brits are doing less that 2 hours a week exercising or taking part in a physically active hobby – failing to meet the recommended minimum of 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity a week. 59% of people said they want to improve their fitness.

Over half of people (51%) acknowledged that they would be more likely to take up a new sport if they had access to professionals to teach them. Glenmore Lodge prides itself on offering knowledgeable, clear, and friendly instructions with experts trained to meet the needs of each individual, from novice to pro.  

Long months of being stuck inside have created a knock-on effect since the Covid pandemic, as a third (37%) of people want to be outdoors more, and nearly half (39%) say that spending time outdoors is good for their mental health.

For Scots, ‘Munro-bagging’ is a popular way to get in some time outdoors, so it may come as a surprise that 69% of Brits don’t know what a Munro is! For those not in the know, a Munro is a Scottish mountain with a height over 3,000 feet (914.4 m) – of which there are 282 in Scotland. 

Heather Morning, Chief Instructor, at Glenmore Lodge said: “After the Covid pandemic, it is no surprise to us that people want to make the most of their free time and find adventure.

“From mountain biking to paddle sports, we want to equip people with the skills and confidence to be able to do what they love, whether that’s trying a new hobby for the first time or looking to improve and refine skills. We are here all year round and look forward to welcoming the next generation of adventurers!” 

Glenmore Lodge is situated at the heart of the Cairngorms National Park just 8 miles from Aviemore. The location provides immediate access to Britain’s most extensive and iconic high mountain range as well as the best rivers and lochs Scotland has to offer.

To bring this campaign to life, Glenmore Lodge has released a photo series with action sport photographer Bryce Powriemaking light of the lack of adventure Brits find in their everyday lives, with images showing just how far people will go to get in some added fun, looking to bring adventure to the suburban settings of their daily lives.  

To learn more about Scotland’s National Outdoor Training Centre, and to book on a course, visit: https://www.glenmorelodge.org.uk/.

Draw inspiration from The Cairn Distillery

Dream opportunity for aspiring artists to realise a dream with help from rising Instagram star

Aspiring artists are being offered the chance to fulfil a long-held ambition to collaborate with one of Instagram’s favourite artists. Phil Dean, also known as ‘The Shoreditch Sketcher’, has over 100,000 followers and is also a published author.

For millennia, cairns have encouraged people to explore new paths and this latest initiative is part of The Cairn Distillery’s Beacon of Inspiration campaign which aims to encourage people to take that next step and realise a long-held ambition. 

People from across the UK are being invited to tell The Cairn why they’ve always harboured a dream to become an artist, and what it would mean to them to be given the chance to hone their craft under the expert wing of Phil Dean.

The winners will first embark on an all-expenses paid trip to London to take part in an inspiring tutorial on how to capture an urban environment, with Phil sharing valuable insights including the top tips he has learned over a lifetime of sketching.

The workshop will focus on refining the artists’ styles, helping the pair form a deeper understanding of the art they want to create and how to create it. Working alongside Phil, the winners will learn new methods and techniques to capture both natural and urban landscapes in an intriguing and innovative way.

After a few weeks of self-practice, the successful applicants will then join Phil in September at The Cairn to put their new skills into practice, by sketching the distillery in its stunning natural environment, on the banks of the River Spey.

The Cairn, which opened its doors in October 2022, is the first new distillery to be built in the Cairngorms National Park since its inception. Its owners, Moray-based family business, Gordon & MacPhail, aim to build on its 128-year heritage of producing exceptional Scotch whisky by creating legacies that inspire future generations.  

Phil Dean, ‘The Shoreditch Sketcher’, said: “Drawing in urban spaces gives you a completely new way to engage – to sketch a city is to truly see it. You are out in a public environment, part of the landscape and embedded in your surroundings. You have to embrace the freedom it provides.

“The Cairn is truly inspirational in terms of its whisky, its building, and its surroundings, so I’m very much looking forward to helping our amateur artists to bring this magnificent place to life on paper.” 

Ian Chapman, Marketing Director of Gordon & MacPhail said: “We are so proud of our home here in the Cairngorms, from the stunning mountains to the glorious River Spey, we are never short of inspiration. It truly is the perfect place for artists to bring their canvas and create something special. 

“We are delighted to be working with Phil to give aspiring artists the chance pursue a life-long dream and collaborate with such a talented creator. We can’t wait to see the final results.”

The mission to discover aspiring artists is the third instalment of The Cairn’s initiative to inspire visitors to pursue long-held ambitions.

The first was launched last year when The Cairn brought together three musicians who shared a goal to collaborate internationally and offered them the opportunity to create a unique track inspired by Scotland’s incredible landscape, which encompasses the distillery.

This was followed by a competition earlier this year, giving ambitious chefs the chance to design a bespoke menu with Tim Maddams, one of the UK’s leading chefs.

To enter, please see the online application form with full terms and conditions, available here https://www.thecairndistillery.com/the-shoreditch-sketcher

For more information on The Cairn, please visit www.thecairndistillery.com.

Dream opportunity for aspiring foodies with The Cairn Distillery

‘Beacon of inspiration’ theme continues with chance to work with Tim Maddams

Three aspiring foodies are being offered the chance to fulfil a long-held ambition to collaborate with one of the UK’s leading chefs. Successful applicants will work alongside ‘free-range-foodie’ Tim Maddams – menu creator for The Cairn Distillery – to design a bespoke menu that will be served at the distillery’s ‘Grand Gathering’ event in summer 2023. 

Lucky winners will learn new skills and gain valuable insight into what it takes to become an esteemed chef, travelling with Tim on an all-expenses paid experience to meet local suppliers, learn insider tricks of the trade and develop an inspiring menu to celebrate the opening of the distillery.

The Cairn, which opened its doors in October 2022, is the first new distillery to be built in the Cairngorms National Park for more than a century. Its owners, Moray-based family business, Gordon & MacPhail, aims to build on its 127-year heritage of producing exceptional Scotch whisky by creating legacies that inspire future generations.  

Tim Maddams has developed the menu for ‘The Gathering’, located within The Cairn Distillery, which provides locally sourced tapas-style dishes devised to complement the whiskies tasted by visitors taking tours. He has previously worked in some very well-known London kitchens before taking his first head chef job for TV favourite, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.

Tim Maddams, menu creator for The Cairn Distillery, said: “For millennia, cairns have inspired people to discover and explore, set new challenges, and guide people along new paths.

“To reflect that ethos, we are providing a series of opportunities to help people realise their long-held dreams – inspiring hopefuls from all walks of life to finally pursue that new path they’ve always wanted to follow.

“I’m looking forward to working with those looking to learn, explore Scotland’s natural larder, and join me in the pursuit of new dishes, that respect the local environment and reflect the inspirational nature of this wondrous place, to be served at a very special party event happening this summer at The Cairn.”

Ian Chapman, marketing director of Gordon & MacPhail explained: “Having secured such a beautiful and awe-inspiring location overlooking the river Spey, we wanted to make sure our food offering matches the quality of our whisky and inspires visitors as much as our surroundings. 

“We are delighted to work with Tim to create an ever-evolving menu for The Gathering. With that in mind we are thrilled to be able to give three aspiring foodies the chance to work with Tim, learn and be inspired by his work, and help create a unique new menu to celebrate the opening of the distillery doors.” 

The mission to discover three aspiring chefs is the second instalment of The Cairn’s initiative to inspire visitors to pursue long-held ambitions.

The first was launched last year when The Cairn brought together three artists who shared a goal to collaborate internationally and offered them the opportunity to create a unique track inspired by Scotland’s incredible landscape which encompasses the distillery. 

A personal invitation from Tim to apply can be found here:

 https://youtu.be/DVNs4ndTEVY

with the online application form with full Ts & Cs, found here 

https://www.thecairndistillery.com/tim-maddams