Cairngorms Wildfire Persists as Police Ban Drones and Close Roads

A major wildfire continues to burn in Scotland's Cairngorms National Park, entering its third week. Police Scotland, together with fire crews and the military, are conducting water‑bombing missions from helicopters, creating fire breaks with heavy machinery, and maintaining ground operations. Several access roads—including the Ski Road (C7), Forest Lodge access road, Lettoch Road, and Dorback—remain closed, along with numerous walking routes around Glenmore, Loch Morlich, and other parts of the park.

Police have issued a public appeal asking drone pilots to stay clear of the incident zone, citing the risk that unmanned aircraft could interfere with helicopter water‑dropping flights. The advisory covers airspace east of Coylumbridge, south of Nethy Bridge, west of Tomintoul, north of Glen Avon and the Cairngorm Mountain area. Inspectors Ross McCartney and Douglas Livitt thanked volunteers for their support and stressed that the restrictions will stay in place until the fire is under control.