Glenmore area to reopen after multi-agency assessment of Cairngorms wildfire

This decision follows a multi-agency assessment of the area and the ongoing firefighting efforts that started more than 3 weeks ago since the incident began on the 15 July.

The local community and businesses are being thanked for their ongoing patience and support.

Firefighting efforts may require to continue in the Glenmore area as required to dampen down any remaining hotspots, before the land will be formally handed back to Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS), who will put in place public access management restrictions alongside the Cairngorms National Park Authority.

This will include signage in the area for the public to understand which areas are accessible and which are not, including forest paths, biking trails and roads.

Paul Hibberd, FLS’ Regional Visitor Services Manager, said: “As visitors begin to make a welcome return to Glenmore to enjoy the area and contribute to local businesses recovery, we are advising everyone that there continue to be public safety risks, from remaining hotspots and from potentially hazardous, fire-damaged trees and unstable ground.

“Whilst most of Glenmore Forest Park will be fully open we still have a lot of work to do to make our forest safe for visitors and some FLS-managed areas of forest will continue to be out of bounds for some time. 

“These include the Allt Ban and Allt Mor car parks, and the Ryvoan Trail and the Lodge Trail, which will remain shut until we can properly assess damage and carry out remediation work to make the area safe for access. There will also be no access to the Green Lochan.

“For your own safety and for the safety of FLS staff, contractors and remaining emergency services workers, please take heed of all signage and do not go into or fly drones in these areas.”

Areas that remain open include Loch Morlich, Lochside, and the Loch Morlich beach, Hayfield and Sugarbowl car parks. The beach trail, Loch Morlich trail and Pine Knoll trail will also be open. Access to the summit of Meall a’ Bhuachaille will be possible from the west only, starting from the Glenmore Visitor Centre (return the same way). Hill access will also be possible via the Sugarbowl car park and the Chalamain Gap. The beach toilets will be open.

Highland Council has been engaging with local businesses ahead of the cordon lifting and will take forward discussions on a grant funding to support those affected by the wildfire.

Further updates on road closures can be found on the Police Scotland Highland & Islands website and social media.

The C7 Ski Road will fully reopen from 8am on Friday, 7 August. Road closures near Abernethy Forest, where firefighting activity continues, will remain. These are:

• Forest Lodge access road in Abernethy Forest
• Lettoch Road
• Dorback

The public is being reminded that firefighting operations and work to remove felled and unsteady fire damaged trees will continue.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will continue to focus most of its efforts in the remote area around Abernethy Forest, where there are deep seated peat fires.

Around 20 firefighters continue to work in the area with specialist resources including a high-volume pump. Helicopter support will continue today but is unlikely to be required beyond Friday. The use of thermal imaging drones provided by FLS and the Park Authority is also ongoing.

Changes to the weather can impact on smoke drift from hotspots, which could potentially be carried by the wind across remote areas and there is likely to be a residual burning smell.