Climate Adaptation Fund opens for expressions of interest
Climate Adaptation Fund opens for expressions of interest
The Cairngorms National Park Authority is inviting expressions of interest for this year’s Climate Adaptation Fund, which supports capital projects that help communities, land managers and businesses respond to and mitigate the impacts of our changing climate.
Since launching in 2024, the Climate Adaptation Fund has awarded £640,000 for 30 projects that have taken practical action to deliver long term resilience across the National Park. Past successful projects have included the funding of equipment and collaborative initiatives to enhance wildfire resilience and the planting of trees along the upper River Spey.
This year, £300,000 is available to businesses, farmers, land managers and community groups with proposals for climate adaptation through capital investment. Eligible activity could include the purchase of new tools or machinery, or works that deliver benefits over several years, such as habitat restoration and land management.
In 2025, more than 60 expressions of interest were submitted with a total value exceeding £1 million for proposed projects, underlining the desire from those who live and work in the National Park to contribute to climate action.
Grant Moir, Chief Executive Officer at the Cairngorms National Park Authority, said: “We’re pleased to offer the Climate Adaptation Fund for a third year. Over the past few years, we've seen increased wildfire risk, more frequent flooding and growing pressure on fragile and precious habitats. The Climate Adaptation Fund aims to help us pull together to be more resilient against these challenges.
“We know there is a huge willingness from people in the National Park to step up the action that is already happening here. This fund is about supporting that practical, on the ground action and we are keen to hear proposals that deliver lasting benefits for nature, people and the local economy.”
The fund’s aims support the delivery of the Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan 2022 to 2027 net zero objectivesand projects must demonstrate that they fit with the Plan’s priorities and contribute to the delivery of the Scottish Government’s National Climate Change Adaptation Programme.
The expression of interest stage for the Climate Adaptation Fund is now open and closes on 3 April 2026. Successful projects must be completed by 31 March 2027.
Alongside the Climate Adaptation Fund, a wide range of funding and support is available, including the Community Led Vision Fund and Visitor Infrastructure Improvement Fund. These opportunities can be found on the funding page of the Park Authority’s website.
Further information and support with completing an expression of interest or application is available by emailing [email protected].
Alert
Latest from the National Park
Ongoing wildfire near Ryvoan Bothy
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and partners are currently in attendance at a large fire south of Aviemore.
Historic bridge in Nethy replaced after years of community effort
New bridge over Allt Mòr Burn officially opens
Endangered ant queen found in Royal Deeside
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Relevant alerts
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Update - 21:55
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have shared that emergency services continue to tackle a large-scale wildfire covering more than two kilometres in width near to Glenmore.
A number of homes and businesses, including campsites and ski resorts within the Glenmore Forest Park area, have been closed and evacuated as a safety precaution due to the close proximity to the incident.
As of 9pm on Wednesday night (15 July), Scottish Fire and Rescue Service currently has six fire appliances, a wildfire unit, specialist resources and tactical commanders mobilised to the scene after the alarm was raised just before 12 noon earlier today.
Firefighters are working with landowners to contain the incident and create fire breaks, with high winds causing the fire to spread across areas of trees and woodland. There are no reported casualties.
Road closures continue to be in place to support the emergency response, and people are asked to avoid the area within Glenmore Forest Park and Loch Morlich on Thursday, 16 July as this incident continues.
We will share updates as the situation develops. In the meantime, our thanks go out to the emergency services, gamekeepers, NGO and estate staff and many others from across the community who are working non-stop to get these fires under control, and providing support to those affected.
Update - 20:06
Emergency services and partners are continuing to respond to this wildfire. A number of properties and premises in the area have been evacuated as a precaution. The Ski Road is currently closed. Anyone walking in the Cairngorms should avoid the area and let family or friends know when they have returned.
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The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and partners are currently in attendance at a large fire in the open near to Ryvoan Bothy within the Cairngorms National Park.
Due to large volumes of smoke travelling towards populated areas nearby, residents in Aviemore, Glenmore and the surrounding communities should keep their windows and doors closed. If you are within this area and can see or smell smoke, please follow the same advice. If you are aware of someone hiking in the area, please ask them to get themselves safely off the hill as soon as possible.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has asked that people avoid the Glenmore and Aviemore area, and remain vigilant. Our thanks go to all those engaged in active firefighting - we will post further updates when we have them.
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Very high fire risk - 15 to 20 July
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has issued a very high wildfire warning impacting areas of the National Park on Wednesday 15 until Monday 20 July. If you are out and about in the Cairngorms National Park please observe the following guidance:
- Do not light any fire or barbecue, in line with the new fire byelaw
- Always ensure cigarettes are fully extinguished and take your litter (including glass) away with you
- Enjoy the outdoors responsibly - most wildfires are caused by human activity
- Stay alert - with dry vegetation and warm weather, fires can start easily, spread rapidly, and burn intensely
- If you see a wildfire, dial 999
For further updates on wildfire risk across Scotland, visit the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website. To find out more about the fire byelaw, and to see your questions answered, visit our fire byelaw page here.
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SEPA have confirmed the presence of blue-green algae/cyanobacteria in Loch Morlich.
It is advised not to enter or drink the water anywhere in Loch Morlich, or allow your pets to do so, until further notice. Contact with affected water can be harmful to people and animals.
Please:
- Avoid swimming, paddling, or entering the water.
- Keep dogs and other pets away from the loch and shoreline.
- Do not drink or use the water.
If you or your pet feel unwell after contact with the water, seek medical or veterinary advice immediately. Please follow all posted warning signs and guidance from local authorities.