The economic recovery from the Cairngorms wildfire is now under way, with businesses across the National Park working alongside public agencies to assess the financial impact of one of the most significant wildfire incidents the area has faced.

While firefighters continue tackling remaining hotspots, attention is also turning to the longer term impact on businesses, jobs and tourism, particularly within the localised exclusion zone around Abernethy and Glenmore.

Cairngorms Business Partnership has joined a multi agency recovery group alongside the Cairngorms National Park Authority, The Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Scottish Government to coordinate support for affected businesses and help shape a recovery package.

The organisation, which supports more than 350 businesses across the UK’s largest National Park, says 17 member businesses are directly affected by the exclusion zone, while many more across the wider area are experiencing cancellations, reduced visitor numbers and growing uncertainty.

A survey has now been issued to businesses within the exclusion zone to gather detailed information on the financial impact of the closures.

The findings will help determine what immediate assistance is required while informing longer term recovery planning and business resilience measures.

Cairngorms Business Partnership is also hosting meetings with members to provide updates, answer questions and identify the most urgent support requirements.

Craig Mills, Chief Executive of Cairngorms Business Partnership, said:

“While we are all acutely aware of the emergency response effort, the economic reality is harsh.

“For those directly inside the localised exclusion zone, the closure is total, meaning immediate revenue loss and significant, unavoidable costs like staff wages and fixed overheads that simply don’t stop just because the doors are shut.

“But it’s important to understand this isn’t just about the closures.

“Hundreds of businesses across the wider National Park that remain open to visitors this summer are also feeling the ‘ripple effect’, dealing with a high volume of booking cancellations, increased administration time spent reassuring visitors and a drop in footfall due to the general uncertainty.”

He warned that the longer restrictions remain in place, the greater the risk to businesses already under financial pressure.

“The longer this incident continues, the greater the risk that some may not have the capacity to recover.

“That is why we are gathering detailed financial evidence right now to ensure we can make the strongest possible case for support and prevent permanent losses.

“We need support that acknowledges the scale of the financial hole this has left.

“Whether that comes through grants, business support packages, or assistance with recovery costs, it must reflect the reality on the ground.

“We’re in constant dialogue with the Scottish Government, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Highland Council to ensure that once this response phase ends, a robust recovery package is ready to be deployed.

“Our priority is making sure no business is left behind because they didn’t have the voice to articulate their needs.”

The Cairngorms National Park Authority says businesses and workers have described the challenges created by both the closures and the continuing uncertainty.

Chief Executive Grant Moir said:

“Businesses and workers are telling us just how difficult the past fortnight has been, not only navigating closure but also ongoing uncertainty about how long the restrictions will remain.

“We are in regular contact with the Scottish Government and others to explore every avenue to support all those impacted.

“We hope to have clarity on this as soon as possible.

“In the meantime, the vast majority of the National Park, including Aviemore and Nethy Bridge, is still open for visitors and locals to explore.”

Businesses across the wider National Park are also keen to reassure visitors that the area remains open.

Ken Pritchard, Director of Great North Lodges, said:

“We’re very much open for business and look forward to welcoming visitors to experience everything this incredible area has to offer.

“It’s encouraging to see our towns and villages bustling with tourists, but we know there is still capacity, and we’d love to see even more people discovering the Cairngorms.”

Ross Coulter, General Manager at Landmark Forest Adventure Park, added:

“Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by the recent wildfires, and we’d like to thank the emergency services and all those who have worked tirelessly to protect our communities and the National Park.

“While we recognise that some businesses have been impacted, the area is very much open for business, with the vast majority of attractions, accommodation providers, restaurants and cafés ready to welcome visitors.

“We’d encourage anyone planning a trip to continue supporting the area.

“Every visit helps local businesses, jobs and communities, and there is still so much to see and do across this special part of Scotland.

“We look forward to welcoming visitors to Landmark Forest Adventure Park and helping them enjoy a fantastic experience in the Cairngorms.”

The recovery group will use information gathered from businesses to help shape support measures while the emergency response continues.

Visitors are being encouraged to continue travelling responsibly and to check the latest travel advice before visiting the National Park.

For more information and to book a place on one of the Cairngorms Business Partnership ‘wildfire recovery’ member meetings, go to www.cairngormschamber.com

People can continue to plan their visit to The Cairngorms National Park this summer. For more information and travel updates, go to www.visitcairngorms.com and www.instagram.com/visitcairngorms