A new seasonal fire byelaw for the Cairngorms National Park will come into force on Wednesday. From 1 April to 30 September each year, campfires and barbecues will not be permitted in the National Park.

Sandy Bremner, Convener at the Cairngorms National Park Authority, said: “We want people to keep enjoying all that the National Park offers but we also need everyone to help protect it. We know it only takes one rogue spark to start a wildfire and when there is so much to lose, we can’t take that risk.  

“Alongside the new byelaw, we are rolling out a major communications campaign which will focus on the message of ‘Protect our National Park. No flame, no spark.’ Roadside signs, leaflets, social media and local business support will help ensure people know the rules before they arrive. We are also working with councils, estates, community groups and businesses to share information and take a joined-up approach.”

The changing climate means we are experiencing longer, drier spring and summer months and an increased risk of wildfires. Last year, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service responded to more than 200 wildfires across Scotland, including a major incident on Dava Moor and at Carrbridge. 

Area Commander Robert Lennox, a Local Senior Officer with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Wildfires pose a real risk to people, properties and nature. Each wildfire we respond to can have a significant impact on our resources and these incidents are often in remote locations, which take time to reach.

“Extreme weather events are becoming more common across Scotland, and we know that communities in the Cairngorms have felt this acutely in recent years, with floods, drought and wildfires. This byelaw is an important new tool to tackle wildfire risk and safeguard the National Park.”

Approved by Scottish Government ministers in 2025 following a major consultation – in which 79% of the 1,600 respondents supported the introduction of a seasonal fire byelaw – the measure forms part of a broader package of actions aimed at reducing the growing risk of wildfires across the National Park.

From April 2026, countryside rangers will have the power, through the Procurator Fiscal, to enforce the ban. Failure to comply with the byelaw carries a fine of up to £500, although education and prevention will remain the priority. The Park Authority is also investing in additional joint patrols with Police Scotland at key hotspots. This will be supported by enhanced ranger training and continued collaboration with partner ranger services.

A record number of countryside rangers will be on patrol this year. Additional weekend rangers have been recruited, a new full-time permanent ranger has joined the team in the Angus Glens and in total, more than 100 rangers – including permanent, seasonal, volunteer, trainee and partner services staff – will be deployed across the National Park this summer.

Grant Moir, Chief Executive Officer of the Cairngorms National Park Authority, said: “This byelaw is part of our wider work on implementing the Integrated Wildfire Management Plan for the National Park. This involves working on fire ponds, estate fire plans, our Climate Adaptation Fund and much more. The byelaw is just one of a range of measures helping us tackle the threat of wildfires in the National Park.”  

Julia Duncan, Estate Ranger at Atholl Estates, said: "Rangers are out every day speaking to visitors and helping them enjoy the National Park responsibly. This new byelaw gives us an important tool in the box to reduce wildfire risk, protect wildlife and habitats and make sure everyone can continue to enjoy the outdoors safely.”

Members of the public are urged to help by spreading the word that people should not light fires or barbecues outside their own gardens between 1 April and 30 September, follow advice from rangers and local signage, and report any fires immediately by calling 999.

Businesses and community spaces can request a variety of resources, including social media graphics, posters and window stickers, from this dedicated page on the Park Authority website. For more information on the fire byelaw, go to cairngorms.co.uk/fires.

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