Fire management consultation
Latest update
Following an extensive public consultation on draft wording for a fire management byelaw, the Cairngorms National Park Authority has now submitted a final version to Scottish Government.
If you would like to comment or object to the proposal – which can be viewed via the link below – please email [email protected] by 11.59pm Sunday 18 May 2025.
Background
Earlier this year, the Park Authority consulted on the potential introduction of a fire byelaw. Over 1,600 people took part, with 79% supporting the introduction of a byelaw, 16% against and 5% unsure. The Park Authority did not express a preference during this consultation, but the results gave the Park Authority a mandate for change. You can read a summary of the consultation results here.
Drawing on feedback from the general public, landowners and partners, the Park Authority board agreed on 28 June 2024 to develop a seasonal fire management byelaw, which would last from 1 April to 30 September each year. This decision was based on feedback from the consultation, which suggested that the approach should be easy to communicate, not perceived as heavy-handed and cover the period with the greatest risk.
Timeline
- 8 February to 17 April 2024 – initial consultation on the introduction of a fire management byelaw.
- 28 June 2024 – Park Authority board agree to develop a seasonal byelaw.
- 13 September 2024 – Park Authority board approves the wording for byelaw consultation.
- 23 September to 16 December 2024 – formal consultation on proposed wording.
- January 2025 – Park Authority assesses responses and considers final wording, to be submitted to Scottish Ministers for review.
- April 2025 – Final wording submitted to Ministers and six week public consultation launched by Scottish Government.