Justice Secretary Neil Gray has stated that the Scottish Government does not anticipate receiving additional support from the UK military to combat the large wildfire in the Cairngorms National Park.
Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland’s Sunday Show, Gray said it is his understanding that the UK military “does not have the capability” required for the fire.
Over 500 firefighters have been tackling the blaze, which has burned through Cairngorms National Park for 11 days, forcing evacuations in the remote region. The First Minister requested military aid after residents of Nethy Bridge, about 30 miles south-east of Inverness, were ordered to evacuate on Friday night.
Fire downgraded but still active
On Saturday night, Police Scotland said the fire is no longer considered a major incident after containment work reduced the risk to nearby communities. However, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), along with other partners, continues to fight the large wildfire.
On Sunday, organisers announced the Abernethy Highland Games, scheduled for August 8, would not go ahead because the local community centre in Nethy Bridge remains in use by emergency services and many volunteers have been involved in firefighting efforts.
In a social media post, organisers said: “It is with great sadness and deep regret that given the ongoing wildfire and its response, the Abernethy Highland Games 2026 have today been cancelled. The community centre is still in full use by the emergency services, with no end point in sight. Many of our volunteers for the games have been actively involved in fighting the fire over many hours and days.”
Limited aerial capability
Gray said he had not yet seen a response to the request for military aid. “It’s not something that we are expecting to be able to get – additional support from the UK military,” he said. “Our understanding that I received from SFRS, and indeed from others during the week, is that the UK military does not have the capability that we are requiring in this case, which is that tactical aerial helicopter support.”
He added that the Scottish Government, via Nature Scot, has a lease for commercial aircraft in Scotland, ensuring two helicopters were deployed yesterday. Gray insisted there is sufficient ground support for fighting the fire and building firebreaks, noting that the military request was limited to aerial support.
“That is what we were asking for, because the national resource that we are able to deploy from SFRS has been significant and will continue to be so,” he said.
Gray, who holds responsibility for national resilience and civil contingencies, said the request was made to explore “every possible avenue” to bolster resources. “We wanted to establish formally with the UK Government and the UK military as to whether there was any further support available,” he said.
When asked about local criticism that more resources should have been deployed earlier, Gray said: “I very much understand the anger and frustration, the upset and worry that there has been, and for those living and working with business in the immediate vicinity, this has been a significant incident. It has been incredibly challenging. People have been asked to evacuate their homes. We cannot underestimate the impact that that has had. So, of course, I understand the sentiment that there is there locally, I have been in touch with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service throughout this incident. I’ve been very clear in wanting to ensure that every possible resource was being deployed.”
