Campfire ban in Cairngorms with £500 penalty if broken comes into force

The seasonal by-law runs from 1 April until the 30 September in the hope it will help reduce the risk of ignition during the warmer, drier months.

More than 100 rangers, a record number, will be deployed in the park. There will also be a joint effort with Police Scotland to patrol areas that are most at risk.

The maximum fine for breaking the by-law will be £500.

Read more: Smoke flare used in helicopter training exercise linked to Scotland's worst wildfire

Last year, Scotland faced what has been described as the UK’s largest wildfire incident. Land around Carrbridge in the Highlands and Dava Moor in Moray went up in flames, destroying some burning through some 29,225 acres (11,827 hectares) of land, according to rural experts.

Sandy Bremner, convener at the Cairngorms National Park Authority, said: “We want people to keep enjoying all that the national park offers but we also need everyone to help protect it.

Read more: Rural villages in ‘imminent danger’ of wildfire spread as experts look to evacuation training

“We know it only takes one rogue spark to start a wildfire and when there is so much to lose, we can’t take that risk.

“Alongside the new by-law, we are rolling out a major communications campaign which will focus on the message of ‘protect our national park. No flame, no spark’.

“Roadside signs, leaflets, social media and local business support will help ensure people know the rules before they arrive.

“We are also working with councils, estates, community groups and businesses to share information and take a joined-up approach.”

Area commander Robert Lennox, a local senior officer with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Wildfires pose a real risk to people, properties and nature. Each wildfire we respond to can have a significant impact on our resources and these incidents are often in remote locations, which take time to reach.

“Extreme weather events are becoming more common across Scotland and we know that communities in the Cairngorms have felt this acutely in recent years, with floods, drought and wildfires.

“This by-law is an important new tool to tackle wildfire risk and safeguard the national park.”

The by-law was approved by Scottish Government ministers in 2025 following a major consultation.

The park authority said 79 per cent of the 1,600 people who responded to the consultation supported the introduction of a seasonal fire by-law.

Camping by-laws already exist in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park that restrict how and where people can camp in certain areas.

The rules were introduced in 2017 mainly because certain popular areas—especially loch shores—were being heavily damaged by unmanaged camping.

The by-laws create Camping Management Zones, which cover less than 4 per cent of the park, and are in place from March 1 until September 30.

During this period, any visitors wanting to wild camp in one of the zones must apply for a special permit to camp. Failing to do so is a criminal offence.

Otherwise, campers are encouraged to stay at designated campsites. Overnight stays in vehicles are also restricted in these zones.

Make sure you keep up with news from across Scotland by signing up to our free newsletter here.