Communities and business
The words 'national park' may bring to mind a largely uninhabited landscape, full of spectacular vistas and countless endangered species. Whilst the Cairngorms National Park can lay claim to both of these, it's very much a living and working landscape, too.
From the historic village of Blair Atholl in the south to the planned settlement of Grantown-on-Spey in the north and the royal surroundings of Ballater out east, the Cairngorms National Park is home to over 20 different communities and 18,000 residents. It also boasts more than 1,000 businesses, mostly small and micro enterprises, all contributing to the unique character of this part of rural Scotland.
The Park Authority and its partners are taking forward a range of activities to support communities and businesses within the National Park, some of which are summarised below.
Alert
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The new fire byelaw
How the Cairngorms National Park Authority and its partners are tackling the threat of wildfires, including details on the recreational fire management byelaw, in place from 1 April to 30 September each year.
Wildlife
The Cairngorms National Park is home to a quarter of the UK’s rare and endangered species. Its rich habitats are a haven for an array of wildlife, from iconic birds to elusive plants and flowers.
Relevant alerts
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The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has issued a wildfire warning impacting areas of the National Park on Friday 29 May until Monday 1 June. 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.