09/09/2026
My office has produced a report on the Cairngorms wildfire which brings together evidence from residents, businesses, emergency responders, landowners and community organisations affected by the fire.
The report praises the extraordinary efforts of firefighters, landowners, contractors, volunteers, businesses and local communities, but warns that exceptional personal commitment was too often required to compensate for weaknesses in planning, equipment, communications and national capability.
The report calls for six practical changes, including an integrated local wildfire plan; clearer arrangements for escalation and external assistance; a permanent communication and evacuation framework; appropriate firefighter PPE and welfare; reliable aerial firefighting capability; and rapid financial support for businesses and community organisations affected by major incidents.
The report also highlights the uncertainty faced by residents and businesses during the incident, including the experience of Glenmore Campsite, which evacuated more than 500 customers and subsequently saw more than 900 bookings cancelled.
The report will be publicly available and will be directly shared with the Scottish Government, emergency services, other public sector bodies, businesses landowners and their representative bodies and constituents who have been in contact regarding the Cairngorms wildfire and its impact.
