The Cairngorms National Park Authority has announced the recipients of its 2025 Climate Adaptation Fund. A total of £270,000 will go towards practical, on-the-ground solutions to help tackle and mitigate the effects of climate change in the National Park, including responding to wildfires. 

This year’s fund attracted over 60 expressions of interest and more than 30 full applications. The total value of proposed projects exceeded £1 million, highlighting the desire from farmers, land managers, businessand community groups to contribute to climate action across the National Park. The 12 successful projects include:

• A remote-controlled track flail mower to reduce the height of brush, helping reduce wildfire risk in Kingussie.
• Equipment and collaboration to enhance wildfire resilience across Badenoch and Strathspey and further afield at Alvie and Dalraddy Estates.
• Firefighting equipment, personal protection equipment and fire prevention equipment including hand cutting tools for building wildfire resilience at Dalnacardoch.
• A low ground pressure slurry tank to use the waste product from the whisky industry as fertiliser in Grantown-on-Spey.
• Installation of solar panels and battery storage solution at Scrumpy’s coffee shop in Grantown-on-Spey.
• Planting of riparian trees along the upper River Spey by the Spey Riparian Collaboration.   

Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, said: “This fund is the latest example of the vital, hands-on role our national parks play in helping local communities meet environmental and climate-related challenges head on. It empowers farmers, land managers and businesses to take meaningful steps to mitigate the impacts of climate change. In the wake of the recent wildfires, it couldn’t be timelier to focus on practical equipment to help fight fires on our precious landscape. These projects will deliver swift and practical benefits to those striving to safeguard their livelihoods and support restoration efforts in the Cairngorms National Park.” 

The Climate Adaptation Fund first launched in 2024 to support capital works and investments in response to the environmental challenges we’re facing in the wake of climate change. Together with this year's fund, £640,000 has now been awarded to 30 recipients in the National Park. The fund aligns with the Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan 2022–2027. Projects needed to demonstrate that they fit with the Plan’s priorities and contribute to the delivery of the Scottish Government’s National Climate Change Adaptation Programme. 

Sandy Bremner, Convener of the Cairngorms National Park Authority, said: “This funding underlines the National Park’s absolute commitment to support people dealing with the practical challenges of a changing climate. It will help to tackle threats to lives, livelihoods and our natural heritage. The focus on wildfires builds on our wider initiatives, from the UK’s first integrated wildfire management plan to the widely supported byelaw on recreational fires, now awaiting Scottish Government approval.” 

In submitting projects for the fund, applicants were encouraged to deliver economic benefits through local employment and enterprise. In addition, applicants were asked to consider nature-based solutions, with the Park Authority prioritising projects that promote habitat and species recovery.  

Grant Moir, Chief Executive at the Cairngorms National Park Authority, said: “The scale of the ambition among farmers, land managers and businesses across the National Park to act to mitigate the effects of climate change is clear. These 12 projects will have a real and lasting impact and will support efforts to adapt to the changing climate - particularly devastating wildfires experienced in and close to the National Park in recent weeks - while supporting biodiversity enhancement, local jobs and sustainable land use practices.”  

Jamie Williamson, Laird at Alvie and Dalraddy Estates, said: “The support we received from last year’s Climate Adaptation Fund went towards the purchase of fire suppression equipment. This included a trailer-mounted fire fogging unit and a slurry tanker adapted for tackling wildfires with a rain gun to extinguish fires at a distance and with the ability to supply water to replenish fire fogging units with limited water carrying capacity. Our estate team supported the efforts of the fire service and other local estates in tackling the recent wildfires, using this equipment. 

“We are pleased to have received further support from this year’s fund which will go towards purchasing an all-terrain vehicle equipped with a fire fogging unit, a backpack blower, radios and firefighting PPE including overalls, gloves and masks. This equipment could also be used across Badenoch and Strathspey and further afield if needed.” 

See a list of this year's fund recipients

Climate Adaptation Fund recipients

Full list of Climate Adaptation Fund recipients

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This document contains a list of recipients for the Climate Adaptation Fund in 2025. On 6 June 2025, the fund provided money for various projects, including a sprayer to reduce chemicals for pest control, a mower to help prevent wildfires, riparian planting along the River Spey, and a slurry tank for using whisky industry waste as fertilizer. Other projects receiving funds include equipment to enhance wildfire resilience, solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage solutions for several businesses, future farming initiatives, building wildfire resilience, and riverbank restoration on the River Spey.

Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.