The Cairngorms National Park Authority has formally introduced the Cairngorms National Park Fire Management Byelaws 2025, which will apply annually from 1 April to 30 September across the entire National Park. The byelaws aim to reduce the risk of wildfires during the period of highest vulnerability.  

Under the new rules, it becomes an offence to light, tend, or drop anything likely to cause a fire unless it is fully contained within specific permitted settings. These include:  

-the curtilage of a private dwellinghouse  

-a fireplace inside a bothy  

-a licensed caravan site (with the site owner’s permission)  

-private property, with written permission from the landowner or tenant  

The byelaws also prohibit the use of barbecues and disposable barbecues, except in the same permitted settings. Gas barbecues remain allowed if used safely.  

Camping stoves not fueled by wood or coal are still permitted throughout the Park, provided they are used responsibly and without creating fire risk.  

The byelaws also give authorised officers the power to request personal details from individuals suspected of breaching the rules, and obstructing an authorised officer or contravening the byelaw may result in a fine of up to Level 2 on the Standard Scale.  

For more information, see here.