There has been further positive news overnight from the scene in Glenmore, with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service colleagues reporting that the fire is now largely surrounded.

While this remains an ongoing incident and the operation is far from over, there is growing optimism that the combined efforts of fire crews, gamekeepers and estate workers from the surrounding area and from other parts of Scotland, RSPB, FLS and Cairngorm Mountain staff, helicopter pilots, local contractors, farmers and others has made a tangible impact.

A sizeable fire-fighting presence remains on the ground, with teams continuing to monitor both eastern and western flanks of the fire and maintain the integrity of existing firebreaks to prevent further spread. Helicopter assistance has also been invaluable, particularly in harder-to-access areas.

It is hoped that local residents and campers impacted by the exclusion zone will be able to gain access to their property and possessions later today, albeit roadblocks will remain in place for the time being and this activity will be carefully managed around existing fire-fighting operations, led by teams from Scottish Fire and Rescue, Police Scotland, NHS Scotland and The Highland Council. If you have been affected by the exclusion zone and require assistance, please contact The Highland Council’s housing team on 01349 886 691 in the first instance and they will advise on arrangements.

• Battling the wildfire in Strath Nethy Dave Morris / WildLand Limited

  

  
• Trees felled as a firebreak at Glenmore Cairngorms National Park Authority

  

  
• Helicopter assists with firefighting efforts at Green Lochan Ronan Dugan / WildLand Limited

  

  

Gavin Miles, Director of Planning and Place at the Park Authority, said: “News from Glenmore this morning is very encouraging, with colleagues from SFRS indicating that the fire is now largely surrounded. This is, though, still a live situation and teams are still very active on the ground, so we are taking nothing for granted at this stage.

“We’re really grateful for the continued efforts of everyone helping fight the fire in Glenmore, and for the cooperation of local residents, visitors and businesses at what I know is a very difficult time. The Ski Road and surrounding areas are likely to be off-limits for some time to come given the sheer number of people and machinery on-site, but we’re hopeful that residents and campers directly impacted by the exclusion zone will be able to gain access later today.”  

We will continue to post updates on our website, Facebook and Instagram as the situation develops.