A wildfire burning since July 15 in the Cairngorms National Park has scorched 10 sq miles of moorland and woodland near Aviemore, creating an "apocalyptic" scene. The blaze forced evacuations and was declared a major incident, with over 500 firefighters deployed at its peak.

RSPB Scotland's Loch Garten reserve at Abernethy, home to 5,000 species, suffered severe damage. James Reynolds of RSPB described a 6,177-acre burn scar as "ugly and upsetting," warning that smouldering peat could reignite flames for weeks. Malcolm Smith, farming advisor to the park authority, called the landscape impact "heartbreaking."

Michael Humphreys of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said crews face "very challenging" terrain and monitoring could continue for weeks. Justice Secretary Neil Gray praised the tireless efforts of firefighters, volunteers, and gamekeepers, while the government assesses recovery support for affected businesses and communities.