Contact with the Scottish Government
On 30 July 2026 we wrote to John Swinney MSP, First Minister of Scotland, Jenny Gilruth MSP, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government, and Stephen Flynn MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport to call for urgent economic recovery support for businesses affected by the wildfire.
Council Convener Cllr Bill Lobban, Council Leader Cllr Raymond Bremner and Opposition Leader Cllr Alasdair Christie have urged the Scottish Government to:
- implement a phased reopening of the exclusion area and ease restrictions fully, as soon as it is safely possible
- provide immediate financial assistance for businesses within the exclusion zone facing cashflow pressures, loss of income, and risk of closure. We have offered support to assist in the administration of any support
- implement a coordinated recovery package for businesses affected by the wildfire, both within the exclusion zone and across the wider area, supporting recovery and long-term resilience
- help deliver clear and positive public messaging that the Cairngorms National Park remains open for business
- support a targeted marketing and visitor campaign to rebuild confidence and encourage visitors back to the area once restrictions are lifted