His Majesty visited Lochan Uaine in the Cairngorms National Park this morning to unveil a commemorative stone and meet members of the community who were affected by the recent wildfire.

The visit offered the King an opportunity to see first-hand some of the damage from the Glenmore and Strath Nethy wildfire. 

The iconic landscape around Lochan Uaine (the Green Lochan) was badly affected in the blaze and the area is still restricted behind Forestry and Land Scotland safety cordons. Those attending today were escorted at all times by Park Authority and Forestry and Land Scotland staff.

His Majesty met community leaders, firefighters, volunteers and landowners and thanked them for their efforts during the major incident. He also spoke to junior rangers about their experiences of outdoor learning projects across the National Park.

Sandy Bremner, Convener at the Park Authority with His Majesty The King Catriona Parmenter Photography

Today’s event follows the King’s State Visit to the United States earlier this year, when he unveiled two granite stones – one from the Cairngorms and one from Shenandoah – to mark a new twinning relationship between the two national parks.

The commemorative stone from Shenandoah presented at Lochan Uaine today cements a new partnership between the two national parks as part of the United States’ 250th anniversary celebrations. More than 250 million years ago, the mountains of Scotland and Appalachia were part of the same ancient mountain range, before geological change separated them across the Atlantic. 

Sandy Bremner, Convener of the Cairngorms National Park Authority, said: “The sister stones now on display in the Cairngorms and Shenandoah National Parks are lasting symbols of shared natural heritage, friendship and collaboration. These themes are especially fitting when we reflect on the events of the past few months here in the heart of the Cairngorms. We will take forward those values in our work with partners – both at home and further afield – in the years ahead.” 

Grant Moir, Chief Executive of the Cairngorms National Park Authority, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome His Majesty to Lochan Uaine this morning. Community spirit was at the heart of the wildfire response and today’s event was a poignant opportunity to recognise the efforts of the many people involved. We are grateful for the King’s support throughout what has been a difficult chapter for the National Park.”

Forestry and Land Scotland’s North Regional Manager, Alex Macleod, added; “His Majesty’s visit brought a welcome focus to the recovery operations and the efforts of the teams who are still working hard to deal with the hidden dangers to make the area safe again for the public.”