'Apocalyptic' damage as Cairngorms wildfire burns for two weeks

'Apocalyptic' damage as Cairngorms wildfire burns for two weeksImage source, RSPB ScotlandImage caption, The fire has burned through about 10 sq miles of moorland and woodlandBySteven McKenzie, Highlands and Islands reporter and Eileen Macdonald, BBC Scotland NewsPublished29 July 2026, 11:51 BSTUpdated 7 minutes agoA wildfire that has burned for two weeks in the Cairngorms National Park has left an "apocalyptic" scene of devastation, say park bosses.The fire has destroyed about 10 sq miles (25 sq km) of moorland and forestry near Aviemore since Wednesday 15 July.Malcolm Smith, farming advisor to the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA), said: "You are passing through just bare forest now and birds flying about looking for their nests."RSPB Scotland, whose Loch Garten reserve at Abernethy has been badly burned, said it could takes weeks before the fire was extinguished.Image source, Paul Turner/RSPB ScotlandImage caption, The remains of wild birds' eggs in an area of burned heather at RSPB Scotland's Loch Garten Nature Reserve at AbernethyDozens of firefighters helped by volunteers and water bombing by helicopters are continuing to tackle hotspots.It is hoped that cooler weather and rain will help prevent a further spread of flames.Smith said the impact on the landscape was "heartbreaking"."It is a really sad sight," he added."You are used to these beautiful mountains all summer and seeing them covered in snow in winter."To see the fires getting up to where people ski you really wouldn't have thought that was possible."Smith praised local communities for supporting firefighters, farmers and other volunteers.Image source, RSPB ScotlandImage caption, Firefighters supported by volunteers have been tackling a wildfire in the Cairngorms since 15 July. This image was taken on 17 JulyImage source, RSPB ScotlandImage caption, RSPB Scotland's Loch Garten reserve at Abernethy has been amo...