New byelaw boosts wildfire mitigation in National Park - Cairngorms National Park

Recreational fires and barbecues will be banned in the Cairngorms National Park between 1 April and 30 September every year, after Scottish Ministers approved a new byelaw to reduce the growing risk of wildfires in the face of climate change.

The ban follows an extensive consultation process in the National Park, which showed that the overwhelming majority of residents and visitors were in favour of a fire management byelaw. It allows the Park Authority to progress a range of significant wildfire mitigation measures, alongside the UK’s first Integrated Wildfire Management Plan.

The approval from Scottish Government comes a few months after a major wildfire on the northern boundary of the Cairngorms National Park, in Nairnshire and Moray, which further highlighted the importance of close collaboration to reduce the chances of similar incidents happening in future.

In preparation for the byelaw coming into force in April 2026, the Park Authority and its partners are taking forward a range of measures, including:

• Working with Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to prepare for robust enforcement of the byelaw, including enhanced patrols at key sites and an extensive training programme for rangers on the ground.
• Developing a targeted wildfire communications campaign, including permanent and temporary signage, leaflets, press activity and social media advertising.
• Working with local councils to put in place road signs at key entrance points and hotspots, informing people that there are no fires or barbecues allowed.
• Coordinating activity across estates, public bodies, NGOs, businesses and communities in the National Park to ensure a joined-up approach to information sharing on fire risk, the upcoming byelaw and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.