Representatives from the Cairngorms National Park Authority met First Minister John Swinney MSP today, a week on from the outbreak of the Glenmore wildfire.

Gavin Miles, Director of Planning and Place, and Sandy Bremner, Board Convener, joined partners and fire crews at Loch Morlich to speak to Mr Swinney about the challenges of the past week and the continued operation on the ground. 

During the visit – and throughout the day – there was still significant firefighting activity at the site. A helicopter was targeting and waterbombing hot spots, with this set to continue tomorrow. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service says that an operational presence will continue throughout the week until the incident is brought to a safe conclusion. 

Although some Glenmore residents have now been able to return to their homes and businesses given access to their sites, a strict police cordon remains in place at Coylumbridge. For the wider public, the advice remains: please avoid the area to allow crews continue their work. 

• View from Loch Morlich beach to Glenmore wildfire Brenna Jessie

  

  
• Helicopter flying above Glenmore wildfire Brenna Jessie

  

  

Gavin Miles said: "It’s been an incredibly difficult week for all those who know and love this special place, from the crews and volunteers battling the fires to the businesses and residents who have suffered significant disruption. 

“Today’s visit was a good opportunity to reflect on some of the experiences and challenges that many continue to face as the incident continues. 

“The very high fire risk warning has now been extended to this Friday, and rain isn't forecast until the weekend. We'd urge everyone to heed this warning and remember that the new byelaw prohibits campfires and barbecues in the National Park from April until September."

Sandy Bremner said: “I welcome the First Minister’s visit to see for himself the devastation caused by this fire. We again thank the vast army of people – from professional firefighters to helicopter pilots, gamekeepers and estate workers, contractors and farmers, RSPB, Forestry and Land Scotland and Cairngorm Mountain staff, to members of the Park Authority’s staff and community volunteers – who worked tirelessly to bring it under control. 

“I underlined the stark implications of the fire for people, businesses and nature in what is one of the most environmentally sensitive areas of the UK’s largest national park.

“It was an opportunity to stress the vital importance of immediate access to fire-fighting aircraft to supplement the incredible efforts on the ground in hard-to-reach areas, preventing small outbreaks having catastrophic consequences.

"Also, to outline the Park Authority’s heightened preparations for what is a growing threat – in everything from the development of the UK’s first comprehensive Integrated Wildfire Management Plan to the provision of nearly £300,000 of firefighting equipment and training for landowners, as well as the introduction of the fire management byelaw, which has already reduced significantly the number of recreational fires."