'Significant hot spots' remain at Cairngorms wildfire

Hot spots remain at a wildfire which has burned across 10 square kilometres of land in the Cairngorms over the last week, according to the fire service.

More than 100 firefighters have been involved in the operation to control and extinguish the fire, which started near Ryvoan Bothy, south of Nethy Bridge, last Wednesday.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said on Sunday that they had "surrounded" the large-scale blaze.

However, they say "significant hotspots remain across a large and complex landscape" and crews will stay at the scene until the incident is brought to a safe conclusion.

Assistant chief officer Jon Henderson said: "Crews have worked tirelessly in challenging conditions, including steep and often inaccessible terrain, supported by a robust tactical plan.

"Their efforts have involved working with landowners and partner agencies to establish and maintain fire breaks to contain the spread of fire, limiting further damage and protecting surrounding infrastructure.

"Although we have made substantial progress, this remains a live operational incident and firefighters will remain in attendance until the area is safe.

"We continue to ask the public to avoid the area, respect all road closures and cordons, and follow the advice of emergency services at all times."

A strict cordon remains in place and there is currently no public access for vehicles or walkers to Glenmore Forest Park or Loch Morlich.

Homes and businesses, including campsites and a ski resort in the Glenmore Forest Park area, have been evacuated as a safety precaution.

A "very high risk" wildfire warning remains in place across the central Highlands, eastern and southern Scotland until Friday.

Assistant chief officer Henderson added: "The conditions which contribute to wildfires remain present across large parts of Scotland.

"We urge everyone to enjoy the outdoors responsibly and do everything possible to reduce the risk of fire.

"Please do not light campfires, use disposable barbecues or have any naked flames near dry vegetation. It only takes a small spark to start a wildfire that can spread rapidly and have a significant impact on communities, wildlife and the environment."

First Minister John Swinney paid tribute to the people tackling the wildfire in the Cairngorms during a visit to the scene.

He said: "That's been a combined effort led by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, but involving land managers in the locality, involving organisations like the RSPB and the Cairngorms National Park and also Forestry and Land Scotland.

"It's got to be a combined effort to make sure that we have the skills, the expertise and the resources to make sure such circumstances can be tackled and the great natural beauty of Scotland protected."