Businesses affected by the recent Cairngorms wildfire will receive a share of a new £3 million Scottish Government recovery fund aimed at helping firms recover from one of Scotland's most significant wildfire incidents.
The funding will be administered by The Highland Council and is intended to provide immediate financial support for businesses that suffered disruption during the Glenmore-Strathnethy wildfire, while also helping longer-term recovery efforts. Full details of the application process are expected to be published in the coming days.
Economy and tourism secretary Stephen Flynn said the wildfire had caused significant disruption, particularly for businesses located within the emergency cordon.
"The wildfire in the Cairngorms National Park has had a significant impact on many businesses, particularly those premises within the cordon that have been unable to trade," he said.
"We understand the difficult position that many now face which is why I am pleased to be able to confirm up to £3 million for the Highland Council to support affected businesses directly."
He added that while the funding would provide immediate relief, the Scottish Government would continue working with Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Cairngorms National Park Authority to assess what longer-term support may also be required.
The Scottish Government has also activated the Bellwin Scheme to assist Highland Council with exceptional costs arising from the emergency.
The funding has been welcomed by rural organisations, including Scottish Land & Estates.
Ross Ewing, director of moorland and strategic projects at Scottish Land & Estates, described the package as vital for businesses facing significant financial losses.
"This funding is welcome and will provide vital support to businesses affected by the Glenmore-Strathnethy wildfire in the Cairngorms National Park," he said.
"Many have suffered significant financial losses and remain unable to operate at full capacity."
However, Mr Ewing said the size of the recovery fund also highlighted the growing financial impact of major wildfires and reinforced the need for greater investment in prevention.
"Recovery funding is vital, but it cannot be the whole answer," he said.
He argued that Scotland needed a broader wildfire resilience strategy focused on reducing fuel loads, improving preparedness, investing in equipment and strengthening emergency response capabilities.
Mr Ewing also renewed calls for a practical muirburn licensing system that enables responsible vegetation management to reduce wildfire risk.
"A workable and proportionate muirburn licensing system is part of that picture," he said.
He added that governments should also invest in dedicated aerial firefighting resources to improve responses in remote upland areas where fires can spread rapidly.
The latest funding announcement comes as Scotland continues to face increasing wildfire risks following prolonged periods of hot, dry weather.
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