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A large wildfire has been burning in the Cairngorms for four days, with over 100 firefighters actively engaged in efforts to control and extinguish the blaze. The fire began near Ryvoan Bothy, located south of Nethy Bridge, on Wednesday. Despite the Scottish government’s designation of the fire as “contained,” local residents expressed concerns about its continued spread. Fire crews have reported making “really significant progress,” helped by favorable weather conditions on Saturday, though they warn the fire may persist for several more days.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has requested the public to avoid the Glenmore, Abernethy, Loch Morlich, and nearby areas as a precaution. Evacuations have been carried out for homes, businesses, campsites, and a ski resort within Glenmore Forest Park in order to maintain safety. Police Scotland later announced that residents and others displaced by the wildfire who wish to return to the exclusion zone should check in at Macdonald Aviemore Resort on Sunday morning. They will be contacted when conditions allow safe re-entry.
To support firefighting operations, a high-volume pump has been drawing water from Loch Morlich, while helicopters have been seen scooping and dropping water over affected regions. The fire covers roughly six square kilometers, according to reports. Jon Henderson, assistant chief officer of SFRS, described the incident as a “protracted effort” faced with difficult terrain that is sometimes inaccessible and dangerous. He emphasized that although the initial phase of firefighting efforts beginning Saturday morning showed promising results due to favorable conditions, the mountainous environment continues to present considerable challenges.
The weather remains a critical factor, with Henderson noting that conditions between mid-afternoon and early evening might become more demanding. While wildfires are inherently weather-driven, earlier Saturday’s low winds and light rain had aided containment efforts. The risk of wildfires across parts of Scotland remains very high until at least Monday. Gavin Miles, director of planning and place at the Cairngorms National Park Authority, acknowledged the effective firefighting response and encouraged visitors and locals to enjoy the park while adhering to fire safety restrictions, including a bylaw banning open flames and barbecues. Early feedback suggests this bylaw is contributing to a reduction in reported wildfire incidents.
The wildfire has caused damage to about 300 hectares of the RSPB’s Loch Garten reserve near Abernethy, raising concern for the welfare of the critically endangered capercaillie, which is believed to have been nesting nearby. Meanwhile, another wildfire in Tentsmuir Forest near Tayport is being addressed with four firefighting appliances and specialist resources. The SFRS is working closely with Forestry Scotland and Land and Estates Scotland to plan operations adapted to the area’s challenging and inaccessible terrain. Firebreak trenches have also been dug in some locations to help manage the fire’s progression.
Community concerns were voiced by Sandy McCook, chairman of the Nethy Bridge community council, who criticized Justice Secretary Neil Gray for calling the fire “contained” on Thursday before the response escalated the following day. Henderson clarified that “contained” does not mean the fire is extinguished but rather that its behavior is understood and it is not out of control. He explained, “Contained means that effectively that we understand the behaviour of the fire and the fire isn’t out to control.” He elaborated that containment involves strategic management—restricting the fire in some areas while allowing it to move where it can be more effectively tackled. Efforts will continue for days to manage hotspots even after the fire is extinguished
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