Cairngorms Fire Recovery Fund

On 6 August 2026, The Scottish Government announced a £3 million fund to support businesses affected by the Cairngorms wildfire which is now being administered by The Highland Council.

Eligible businesses impacted by the fire by a loss of income by more than 20% are invited to apply to the fund for financial assistance to help the business recover, stabilise operations and resume trading as quickly as possible.

Support available and eligibility

The fund is intended to help small businesses recover, stabilise operations and continue trading.

Tier 1 - Businesses within the Cordon*

• Must be the property owner or primary lease holder
• Business address should be registered for Non-Domestic Rates (NDR) or licenced to operate within the affected area.
• Grant funding of up to 75% of lost income

*Nethy Bridge businesses within the cordon (24th July - 26th July)

Tier 2 - Businesses out with the cordon

• Must be the property owner or primary lease holder
• Business address should be registered for Non-Domestic Rates NDR
• You should refer to the map for areas that are eligible for funding
• Grant funding of up to 50% of lost income

Non-eligible business and exemptions

The fund is specifically targeted at supporting local businesses within the impacted area. The funding excludes support for insurable losses. The following are not eligible to apply for funding:

• National and multinational chains
• Property Managing Companies/Agents
• Landlords
• Any organisations owned, controlled, operated or subsidiaries of the Scottish Government.

Any outstanding arrears (including NDR) to The Highland Council will be offset before any payment is made. Businesses are expected to be appropriately registered and licensed for their area of work.

All applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Further information is on the Council's website and applications can be made via the Council’s website or email businessgrants@highland.gov.uk for an application form.

The deadline for applications to the Fire Recovery Fund is 25 September 2026.