Cairngorms fire recovery fund
Partners are working to support businesses, protect local employment, and assist the safe return of economic activity across the Cairngorms area.
The Scottish Government has announced a £3 million fund to support small businesses affected by the Cairngorms wildfire that we will administer.
Cairngorms fire recovery fund
If your business has lost more than 20% of its income because of the fire, you may be able to apply for financial support.
The fund aims to help businesses:
- recover from the impact of the fire
- stabilise operations
- continue trading
- return to normal business activity as quickly as possible
All applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and we encourage businesses to email businessgrants@highland.gov.uk to discuss.
Who can apply
To apply, your business must:
- be a micro, small or medium sized enterprise (please note, legal structure is not relevant, and charities, social enterprises, and community groups may also be eligible)
- have lost more than 20% of its income as a result of the fire
- be the property owner or primary leaseholder
- be appropriately registered and licensed for its business activities
The level of support available depends on where your business is located.
Tier 1 support - businesses inside the cordon
This tier applies to businesses located within the affected cordon area, which covered the period of 15 July 2026 to 7 August 2026.
For Nethy Bridge businesses, this covers the cordon period from 24 July 2026 to 26 July 2026.
To qualify, you must:
- be the property owner or primary leaseholder
- have a business address registered for Non-Domestic Rates, or be licensed to operate within the affected area
Eligible businesses can receive a grant of up to 75% of lost income.
Tier 2 support - businesses outside the cordon
This tier applies to businesses outside the cordon but within the eligible affected area.
To qualify, you must:
- be the property owner or primary leaseholder
- have a business address registered for Non-Domestic Rates, or be licensed to operate within the affected area
- operate within an area shown as eligible on the funding map
Businesses should refer to the map for areas that are eligible for funding.
Who cannot apply
The fund is specifically targeted at supporting local businesses within the impacted area.
The following are not eligible:
- national chains
- multinational chains
- property management companies
- property management agents
- landlords
- organisations that are owned, controlled, operated or subsidiaries of the Scottish Government
The fund does not cover losses that could normally be claimed through insurance.
Outstanding council debts
If you owe money to us, including Non-Domestic Rates arrears, we may deduct these amounts from any grant awarded before payment is made.
How to apply
The deadline for applications to the Cairngorms Fire Recovery Fund is 25 September 2026.
Advice and support
Businesses can access advice and support through Business Gateway Highland:
- Website: Business Gateway Highland
- Telephone: 01463 713 889
- Email: highland@bgateway.com
