New by-law bans camp fires and barbecues in Cairngorms

Enforcement begins to curb wildfire risks

Scottish ministers have enacted a new regulation to prohibit camp fires and barbecues within the Cairngorms National Park, aiming to mitigate the threat of wildfires. The measure will remain in effect until 30 September annually, with violators facing fines of up to £500. This initiative follows a significant fire event in the previous summer, which landowners called Scotland’s most destructive blaze.

Impact of recent wildfires

Last summer’s wildfires caused substantial damage to parts of the park, prompting concerns among local authorities. The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA), which proposed the by-law, emphasized that the ban resulted from a “comprehensive” public discussion. The park spans 1,748 square miles, encompassing regions from five local councils: Aberdeenshire, Angus, Highland, Moray, and Perth and Kinross.

It serves as a habitat for approximately 18,000 residents and welcomes over two million visitors annually. CNPA highlighted its partnership with Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) to ensure strict adherence to the rule. The strategy includes distributing informational materials, utilizing social media alerts, and placing visible signs to inform the public.

Additionally, the authority has the capacity to issue fixed penalty notices, which can impose a maximum penalty of £500 per violation. Climate change is cited as a key factor in the heightened risk of wildfires across Scotland. “Our goal is to maintain public access to the park’s natural wonders while ensuring collective protection,” stated Sandy Bremner, the CNPA’s convener. “A single accidental spark can ignite a wildfire, and with so much at stake, we cannot afford to ignore this danger.”

Historical challenges

Camp fires and careless behavior have long posed issues in the park. In 2020, rangers noted that partygoers left behind waste, fires, and debris after a “disco party” in Glen Doll, Angus. This incident was one of many examples of irresponsible actions reported that year. Other occurrences included 30 simultaneous campfires in a single night near Glenmore, Aviemore, requiring firefighter intervention to extinguish.

Despite these incidents, rangers confirmed that most visitors are conscientious. Last year, wildfires in the Highlands and Moray regions affected nearly 29,225 acres—an area over 30 times larger than Strathclyde Park in Lanarkshire. Smoke from these fires reached 40 miles across the Moray Firth, impacting nearby communities.

Causes and consequences

According to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, wildfires are classified as large, uncontrolled outdoor blazes covering more than 1,000 square meters. These fires are often fueled by combustible vegetation and can spread rapidly. Human factors, such as barbecues, glass bottles focusing sunlight, and discarded cigarettes, are frequently responsible.

Moors, with their peaty soil, contribute to prolonged burning, making control more challenging. Robert Lennox, an area commander, noted that wildfires endanger people, property, and ecosystems. “Each incident strains our resources, especially since many occur in isolated areas,” he explained. “With extreme weather becoming more frequent, communities in the Cairngorms have experienced floods, droughts, and wildfires increasingly.”

“We want people to keep enjoying all that the national park offers but we also need everyone to help protect it.” – Sandy Bremner

“Wildfires pose a real risk to people, properties and nature.” – Robert Lennox