First Minister John Swinney has chaired an emergency meeting of the Scottish Government’s Resilience Room after the evacuation of Nethy Bridge following the declaration of a major incident in the Cairngorms National Park.
The Scottish Government’s Resilience Room, known as SGORR, met on Friday evening to coordinate the national response after worsening weather conditions caused the wildfire to spread towards the village.
The meeting brought together the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Police Scotland, Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth, Justice Secretary Neil Gray and other ministers and emergency partners.
The evacuation of Nethy Bridge was ordered as a precaution after strengthening winds caused the wildfire to become increasingly unpredictable.
Firefighters are currently focused on creating a fire break while additional police officers are supporting the evacuation, including identifying vulnerable residents who may require extra assistance.
Residents have been directed to a respite centre at the Macdonald Aviemore Resort, where Highland Council is providing support and advice.
The First Minister said:
“This is clearly a very serious situation and is a hugely concerning and anxious time for residents and businesses in Nethy Bridge, and my thoughts are with them.
“As a result of changes in wind conditions that intensified the pace of spread of the wildfire, Police Scotland declared a major incident requiring the evacuation of the village of Nethy Bridge as a precaution.
“SFRS resources are focussed on creating a fire break and additional police resources are being deployed to assist with the evacuation, including identifying vulnerable residents who may need extra support.
“Residents are being directed to a respite centre in Aviemore, where Highland Council can provide support and advice.
“I am extremely grateful to all the first responders who have been working hard to control this fire since it was first reported last Wednesday.
“I remain in continued contact with SFRS and partners and SGORR will convene again.
“This is a serious situation and I strongly urge people to continue to follow all advice from emergency services and transport authorities and continue to avoid the affected areas in the Cairngorms National Park.”
Emergency services remain at the scene as efforts continue to contain the wildfire, which has been burning for more than a week across challenging terrain within the Cairngorms National Park.
Further updates are expected as the response continues.
