SLE backs Cairngorms fire ban as “vital step” to reduce growing wildfire risk

Press Release

The introduction of a new seasonal byelaw in the Cairngorms National Park banning barbeques and campfires is a vital step in protecting communities, wildlife and rural businesses from the increasing threat of wildfires.

Scottish Land & Estates has given its support to the byelaw which will come into effect tomorrow (Wednesday, April 1). Introduced by the Cairngorms National Park Authority, the byelaw will prohibit the use of barbeques and campfires across the National Park between April and September each year, reflecting growing concerns over longer, drier conditions and heightened wildfire risk.

The rural business organisation said it strongly supported the accompanying public awareness campaign – “Protect our National Park: No flame, no spark” – and welcomed the additional investment in countryside rangers, including new enforcement powers, alongside joint patrols with Police Scotland in known hotspot areas.

Ross Ewing, Director of Moorland and Strategic Projects at Scottish Land & Estates, said: “This is a sensible and necessary step at a time when Scotland is facing a clear and growing risk from wildfires. We strongly support the Cairngorms National Park Authority’s proactive approach, particularly the focus on prevention through its ‘protect our national park: no flame, no spark’ campaign and increased ranger presence on the ground.

“Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to wildfires. Once a fire takes hold, the impacts can be devastating – for people, for wildlife and for rural businesses – so reducing the likelihood of ignition in the first place is absolutely critical.”

SLE said the Carrbridge and Dava Moor wildfire demonstrated the devastating impact wildfire can have, burning nearly 12,000 hectares and requiring the support of at least 36 rural businesses, including 30 estates, to tackle the blaze. It added that land managers are central both to preventing fires and tackling them when they take hold.

Mr Ewing continued: “Land managers are very often on the frontline when incidents occur. They are frequently involved in putting out campfires and barbeques before they escalate, erecting signage to warn visitors of risks, and working closely with emergency services and public bodies when fires do break out.

“We saw at Carrbridge and Dava Moor the scale of damage that wildfires can cause, and the important role estates and land managers play – often using their own equipment – in helping to tackle these incidents alongside the emergency services.

“Effective partnership working is absolutely key. The collaboration we are seeing between the Park Authority, rangers, Police Scotland and land managers is exactly what is needed to address what is a shared challenge across rural Scotland.”

The organisation also stressed that the byelaw does not impact on muirburn activity, which is undertaken in a controlled and highly regulated manner.

Ross concluded: “It is important to note that muirburn – the intentional burning of vegetation by skilled land managers – is not affected by these byelaws. Land managers undertaking muirburn this spring will continue to do so responsibly and in close liaison with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service before, during and after operations.

“Overall, this new byelaw represents an important step forward in adapting to the realities of climate change, and we would urge all visitors to play their part in protecting Scotland’s landscapes by following the guidance in place.”