More than £500,000 has been distributed to support businesses impacted by this summer’s wildfire in the Cairngorms National Park.
More than £500,000 has been distributed to support businesses impacted by this summer’s wildfire in the Cairngorms National Park.
The Highland Council is administering the Scottish Government-funded support scheme, which was established to help businesses recover from the significant disruption caused by the wildfire.
To date, 27 applications have been received, with 14 grants fully processed and paid to businesses since the scheme was launched on 10 August 2026.
The Cairngorms Fire Recovery Fund is available to businesses which experienced a loss of more than 20% of their income as a direct result of the wildfire.
The deadline for applications has been extended to 27 November 2026.
Businesses are encouraged to get in touch with the Council to discuss the fund and eligibility.
Glenmore Campsite is among the businesses which have benefited from the fund.
Brian Fulton, Finance and Operations Director, said: “The recovery fund has been a huge help to us through this very difficult time. We really appreciate how we were listened to by Visit Cairngorms, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, The Highland Council, and the Scottish Government. The funds will help us pay the winter bills and make improvements scheduled to the site to benefit our customers.”
Social enterprise Able 2 Adventure has also benefitted.
Owner Gemma Hendry said: ““The recovery fund has provided valuable support during what has been a very challenging period for our business and the wider community. It has helped ease some of the financial impact caused by the wildfire and will support us as we continue to rebuild and move forward. I would encourage any eligible business that has been affected to explore the support available and submit an application before the deadline”
Nethy House, self-catering accommodation in Nethy Bridge, also received support.
Owner Francis Lake said: “The grant is a huge help in recovering from the fire, and gives us a lot of confidence in sustaining the business into autumn and winter. I really appreciate the speed of creating the scheme, simplicity of application and how rapidly you’ve been able to approve it. The financial assistance is great, but the really important thing is the confidence and peace of mind this brings.”
A multi-agency debrief, co-hosted by The Highland Council, Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and facilitated by the Scottish Government, will take place to consider the specific circumstances surrounding the wildfire and identify any lessons that can be learned.
The Council is also working closely with partners including Cairngorms National Park Authority and NHS Highland, as part of a co-ordinated business, community and environmental recovery response.
On 6 August, the Scottish Government announced a £3 million fund to support businesses affected by the wildfire and assist wider recovery efforts.
Convener of The Highland Council and local ward member for Badenoch and Strathspey, Cllr Bill Lobban, said: “Businesses in the Glenmore and Strath Nethy area have shown exceptional resilience and determination in the wake of the wildfire. I am pleased that funding has been distributed quickly by The Highland Council to help affected businesses recover from the immediate impact.
“I hope the remaining funding can continue to support recovery efforts, including a targeted tourism marketing campaign that will help rebuild confidence, encourage visitors back to the area and increase footfall across the Cairngorms National Park throughout the autumn and into next year.”
At a meeting of The Highland Council on Thursday 17 September, members agreed for the Council to write to The Scottish Government seeking an independent review of the incident and assessment of whether the existing command structure is appropriate for major landscape-wildfires.