Cairngorms Wildfire - 2026

We know that many of you will have heard about the wildfire which started on 15 July, 2026. There is lots of information about the wildfire online, and not all of it is true!

One thing we'd like to make clear is that Nethy Bridge, and most of the wider Cairngorms National Park, is very much open for business. There are a few very specific areas which are currently out of bounds - but lots of places you can explore and enjoy. While all donations to our fundraising page (link below) are appreciated, it would be even better if you can come and visit the area. You can play golf, have lunch in Nethy House Cafe, enjoy a walk along the river, pop into the 3rd Aye / Niven Photography Gallery, visit the nearby Speyside Centre ... all of the things you love doing anyway! And of course, there are lots of lovely places to stay. Our only ask is that you park with consideration as there are still lots of emergency service vehicles which are using the village as their base.

Updates on the fire - We are not going to provide updates about the wildfire on this website. However, we would like to direct to our community facebook page, which posts daily updates: https://www.facebook.com/NethyBridge?locale=en_GB Fundraising - We are grateful and fortunate that the fire did not reach the village itself, that no buildings were damaged, and that everyone from the village is safe. However, Nethy Bridge is known as ‘The Forest Village’ and the damage to the forests, moors and mountains which surround the village is devastating and breaks our hearts to see. No doubt there will be a time soon when we can reflect on the damage done and consider how to move forward from there. For now though, we need to focus on getting the fire out, and supporting the many people involved in helping with that. With this in mind, and working with Sandy McCook and the rest of the team at Nethy Bridge Vicinity Community Council, we have set up a fund to raise funds to support the work being done by everyone involved in tackling the fire by giving them a place to rest, feed and recover between their long, hard shifts. Any donations are hugely appreciated: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-cairngorm-wild-fires

Any money you donate will be used to provide food and drinks for those brave women and men who are helping fight the fires. In the unlikely event that we raise more money than we need, any funds left over will be directed towards the long process of recovery from this awful fire.

We've been keeping all those involved in fighting the wildfire fed and watered to keep their energy and spirits up. Outside catering services paid for by our fund has been further boosted by copious supplies of home baking kindly donated by locals. Our volunteers look after the teams as they come into our community centre for a bit of rest and relaxation. Note also the drawing by local children to say thanks and boost spirits! The firefighters say they've been overwhelmed by the support and hospitality shown to them by our community. Thanks for playing your part!

With thanks to Cat Parmenter Photography for some of these images of our community centre.