Cairngorms Business Partnership has joined the multi-agency recovery group supporting businesses and people impacted by the recent wildfire in the Cairngorms National Park.
As the emergency response continues, CBP is working with its partners to understand the economic impact of the wildfire and plan how best to support affected businesses as quickly as possible in the short term, as well as longer-term recovery and business resilience considerations.
Covering an area of over 1,700 square miles, CBP supports over 350 firms across the UK’s largest National Park, including 17 businesses affected by the wildfire in the localised Abernethy and Glenmore exclusion zone.
To support the ongoing work of the recovery group, CBP has issued a survey to businesses within the exclusion zone and is helping to coordinate the gathering of detailed feedback from those affected by localised closures.
The survey will help partners understand what immediate action needs to be taken to help those businesses.
The Partnership is also hosting a series of member meetings, providing opportunities for businesses to ask questions, share experiences and identify the urgent support they need.
Discussions are also taking place with businesses in the wider area who have been indirectly affected by the closures.
Information gathered through the survey and engagement activity will help partners build a clearer picture of the economic impact of the wildfire and inform recovery planning, support measures and future interventions.
CEO of CBP, Craig Mills, said: “While we are all acutely aware of the emergency response effort, the economic reality is harsh.
“For those directly inside the localised exclusion zone, the closure is total, meaning immediate revenue loss and significant, unavoidable costs like staff wages and fixed overheads that simply don’t stop just because the doors are shut.
“But it’s important to understand this isn’t just about the closures. Hundreds of businesses across the wider National Park that remain open to visitors this summer are also feeling the ‘ripple effect’, dealing with a high volume of booking cancellations, increased administration time spent reassuring visitors and a drop in footfall due to the general uncertainty.”
Mills continued: “The longer this incident continues, the greater the risk that some may not have the capacity to recover. That is why we are gathering detailed financial evidence right now to ensure we can make the strongest possible case for support and prevent permanent losses.
“We need support that acknowledges the scale of the financial hole this has left. Whether that comes through grants, business support packages, or assistance with recovery costs, it must reflect the reality on the ground.
“We’re in constant dialogue with the Scottish Government, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Highland Council to ensure that once this response phase ends, a robust recovery package is ready to be deployed,” said Mills.
“Our priority is making sure no business is left behind because they didn’t have the voice to articulate their needs.”
Chief executive of the Cairngorms National Park Authority, Grant Moir, said: “Businesses and workers are telling us just how difficult the past fortnight has been, not only navigating closure but also ongoing uncertainty about how long the restrictions will remain.
“We are in regular contact with the Scottish Government and others to explore every avenue to support all those impacted. We hope to have clarity on this as soon as possible.
“In the meantime, the vast majority of the National Park, including Aviemore and Nethy Bridge, is still open for visitors and locals to explore.”
Ken Pritchard, director of Great North Lodges, the booking and marketing agency for more than 45 self-catering properties across the Cairngorms National Park, commented: “We’re very much open for business and look forward to welcoming visitors to experience everything this incredible area has to offer.
“It’s encouraging to see our towns and villages bustling with tourists, but we know there is still capacity, and we’d love to see even more people discovering the Cairngorms.”
Ross Coulter, general manager at Landmark Forest Adventure Park in Carrbridge, said: “Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by the recent wildfires, and we’d like to thank the emergency services and all those who have worked tirelessly to protect our communities and the National Park.
“While we recognise that some businesses have been impacted, the area is very much open for business, with the vast majority of attractions, accommodation providers, restaurants and cafés ready to welcome visitors.
“We’d encourage anyone planning a trip to continue supporting the area. Every visit helps local businesses, jobs and communities, and there is still so much to see and do across this special part of Scotland.
For more information and to book a place on one of the Cairngorms Business Partnership ‘wildfire recovery’ member meetings, go to www.cairngormschamber.com
