Police Scotland has declared a major incident as emergency services continue to battle a wildfire in the Cairngorms National Park. It comes amid warnings that significantly changed weather conditions, including stronger winds, have contributed to the increasingly unpredictable behaviour of the blaze. Homes around Nethy Bridge have now been evacuated as a precaution.

Residents are being directed to a dedicated respite centre at the Macdonald Aviemore Hotel, and access roads into Nethy Bridge have been closed. Superintendent Judy Hill said: “The weather conditions experienced within the Cairngorms over the last 24 hours have added further complexities to this situation. With evidence suggesting the fire is spreading towards Nethy Bridge, the decision has been taken to declare a major incident and evacuate residents as a precaution.

“Additional police resources are being deployed to assist in contacting those who need to leave their properties and to maintain cordons around restricted areas while our fire service colleagues continue to tackle the wildfire.

“We understand this is a very concerning time for residents, businesses and visitors to the Cairngorms region.

“Please be assured that the multi-agency response remains fully committed to bringing this incident to a safe conclusion as quickly as possible.”

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