Almost two weeks ago, a major wildfire broke out near Ryvoan Bothy in the Cairngorms. Current estimates suggest that around 600 hectares have burned, affecting several important habitats:
Agencies involved in tackling the wildfire included Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), Police Scotland, Forestry and Land Scotland, Cairngorms National Park Authority, Highland Council, RSPB Scotland, estate staff, gamekeepers, farmers and the Scottish government. Specialist resources included helicopter water-bombing operations, wildfire support units, all-terrain vehicles, thermal imaging drones, and forestry and estate machinery for constructing firebreaks.
Overall, while the emergency response appears to have successfully prevented the loss of homes and commercial buildings, the wildfire is already likely to represent one of the most economically disruptive natural events for the Cairngorms tourism sector in recent years, particularly given that it occurred during the peak summer holiday season.
Although recent wet weather has helped reduce the severity of the wildfire, the incident is not yet over. It remains one of Scotland’s largest and most complex wildfire responses.
Authorities will continue to monitor the affected area closely for the foreseeable future, with crews focused on identifying and extinguishing persistent hotspots in peat and woodland.
It remains to be seen whether the Scottish government is prepared to learn the right lessons from this latest wildfire. What is beyond doubt is that urgent action is needed now. Scotland cannot continue to face major wildfires without immediate access to emergency aerial support from the outset of an incident. The failure to deploy such support rapidly in both the Dava and Cairngorm wildfires raises serious questions about Scotland’s preparedness for the growing wildfire threat.
We are calling on the Scottish government to simplify and streamline the muirburn licensing process where land managers are seeking permission to undertake responsible fuel reduction to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire. Bureaucracy must not become a barrier to practical wildfire prevention.
Earlier detection is equally critical. Investment is needed now in thermal cameras, drones, remote sensing technology and dedicated lookout systems so that fires can be identified and suppressed while they are still small and controllable, rather than being allowed to develop into major incidents requiring a costly national emergency response.
Finally, Scotland still lacks a standard framework for assessing the true economic impact of large wildfires on rural communities, local businesses, tourism, natural capital and public finances. Without such a framework, the full cost of these disasters remains hidden. As wildfires become more frequent, more severe and more destructive, establishing a comprehensive economic and environmental impact assessment framework is no longer optional — it is essential for effective policy, proper accountability and long-term resilience.
The local response to this wildfire has been remarkable, with volunteers providing vital support throughout the emergency. Particular thanks are due to gamekeepers, estate workers, farmers, and emergency service personnel, who have worked tirelessly together to bring the wildfire under control.
We have put together a timeline of events from the Cairngorm Wildfire here.