Firms affected by Cairngorms wildfire offered support from £3m fund

The Scottish government has set up a £3m fund to help businesses affected by the Cairngorms wildfire that has been burning for more than three weeks.

The blaze in the Cairngorms National Park near Aviemore broke out on 15 July and has burned thousands of acres of moor and woodland.

Some businesses have been forced to close for safety reasons due to the firefighting operation, which has involved hundreds of firefighters and volunteers and water bombing by helicopters.

Economy and Tourism Secretary Stephen Flynn said the fund would be administered by Highland Council.

Last week, an advisor to the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) said wildfire had the left an "apocalyptic" scene of devastation.

Firefighters continue to deal with hotspots, some of them deep in the area's peaty soil.

Flynn said the wildfire has had a "significant impact on many businesses", particularly those with premises within a cordon set up near the site of the fire.

He said: "I want to thank business owners, employees and local residents for their patience and understanding of the necessary precautions put in place by emergency services to tackle the fire and maintain public safety.

"We understand the difficult position that many now face, which is why I am pleased to be able to confirm up to £3m for Highland Council to support affected businesses directly."

Flynn said the grants would provide immediate relief for impacted businesses.

He added the that the Scottish government would continue to work closely with the council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and CNPA on what further support may be required in the longer term.

Highland Council is expected to release further details on the fund later.

Businesses in the small communities of Glenmore and Nethy Bridge, along with the village of Aviemore, have been among those worst affected.

A cordon has been in place for three weeks, preventing access to some areas due to firefighting operations.

However, CNPA said access to the Glenmore area would reopen to the public at 08:00 on Friday after SFRS said it was satisfied that efforts to deal with hotspots had been successful.

Sandy McCook, chairman of Nethy Bridge and Vicinity Community Council, said he welcomed the funding package.

He said: "I am delighted because this has been a particularly traumatic time for all the businesses.

"In Glenmore alone there are 17 businesses which haven't traded now for over three weeks at the busiest time of the year."

Katie Jachacy, general manager of Pine Marten Bar and Scran in Glenmore, said not knowing when businesses could reopen had been hard.

She added: "This is peak season. This is our bread and butter. This what tides us over the dark winter months.

"The knock-on effect is horrific for the whole valley."

She appealed to visitors to return to the area once the cordon was lifted.

Brian Fulton, co-owner Glenmore Campsite, said the temporary closure of the venue had come during its busiest three to four weeks of the tourist season.

"It's been pretty tough," he said.

"We've only been shut for 5% or 6% of the year but we've lost 15% to 25% of our turnover."

CNPA said Glenmore would reopen to the public at 08:00 on Friday after SFRS said it was satisfied that efforts to deal with hotspots had been successful.

The area includes Loch Morlich and forest tracks.

CNPA said: "Glenmore is a vibrant and much-loved corner of the national park, favoured by visitors and locals alike.

"We know that folk will be keen to return to the area, and that businesses are gearing up to welcome visitors through the door again soon.

"Though some outdoor areas will continue to be fenced off and restricted, it is positive that – all going well – businesses will be able to reopen soon."

Since the incident began, more than 500 firefighters have been involved in the operational response, supported by farmers, gamekeepers and RSPB Scotland staff.

The community of Nethy Bridge has provided meals to people involved in the firefighting operation.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has warned it could be weeks before hotspots and flare-ups are extinguished.