Convener, Sandy Bremner and Chief Executive, Grant Moir have given an update on the ongoing wildfire situation. Scottish Fire and Rescue have also given an update this afternoon (Tuesday 1 July) which includes more detail on remaining fire sites and activity on the ground. 

Sandy said:

"Thankfully the intense wildfires of the past few days have been brought under control, but fire appliances are still in place at various locations to extinguish pockets of fire, and the efforts of those fighting the wildfires have been nothing short of heroic. Whilst this is an ongoing incident, we all owe a huge debt of gratitude to the hundreds of gamekeepers, foresters, stalkers, farmers, land managers and the wider community who’ve joined the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in tackling multiple threats – often at great personal risk. These people came from all over the local area, the Highlands and indeed across Scotland and we thank them all for their tireless efforts."

Grant said:

"From estates offering up their specialist equipment and gamekeepers and other staff to operate it, to farmers dampening down the road verges and local residents donating food and supplies for the volunteers, this has been a fantastic display of community resilience and compassion.

"The effects of these fires on our wildlife and land is devastating, and we will be working with partners and landowners to assess the damage and see how we can help the recovery. The overnight rain has certainly helped the situation and the fires sites will be monitored for any possible reignition.

 "At a time of fire risk we would again urge people not to light campfires and barbecues when they are out in the countryside this summer." 

Further information

As a result of ongoing efforts to tackle wildfires to the north of the Cairngorms National Park, several roads are currently closed. Scottish Fire and Rescue are in attendance and the public are advised to avoid the area, including footpaths. Road users are asked not to ignore road closed signs.

The affected roads are:

• B9007 Ferness to Duthil
• U2379 Lochindorb Road
• B939 Ferness to Grantown-on-Spey
• U2347 Braes of Castle Grant

Please visit the Police Scotland Highlands and Islands Facebook page for updates and road closure information.