Byelaw to ban camp fires in Cairngorms National Park goes out to further consultation

A 12-week public consultation on the formal wording of a fire management byelaw for the Cairngorms National Park has been launched.

The move and the working was agreed by the park authority board’s at its latest meeting in Grantown headquarters earlier this month.

The CNPA board agreed to develop a seasonal fire management byelaw following overwhelming support for the restrictions from the public.

Related article:

Ban on starting fires in Cairngorms National Park on track for start of next summer

Some 79 per cent of all 1,600 respondents supported the introduction of a byelaw.

The ban will outlaw starting camp fires and disposable barbecues in open areas amongst other curbs from April 1 to September 30 each year.

The park authority is now required to consult on the specific wording of the byelaw.

CNPA convener Sandy Bremner said: “The feelings of a large majority of those who took part in the first phase of the consultation were clear – the people who live, work in and visit the National Park would welcome the introduction of a fire management byelaw.

“They also told us that a byelaw should be easy to communicate, should not be heavy-handed, and should cover the period with the greatest risk – namely the busy summer months.

“I’d urge all those with a passion for the Cairngorms National Park to participate in this second stage consultation to help shape the detail of a fire management byelaw.”

Over the next 12 weeks, people who live, work in and visit the strath and national park are invited to give feedback by completing the online questions on the CNPA’s website.

The public can also submit their thoughts in writing or over the phone.

The findings from this consultation will inform the development of the final fire byelaw.

Following the consultation, the park authority will assess responses and, in January 2025, will consider the final wording of the byelaw, which will then be submitted to Scottish Ministers.

The CNPA is targetting June 1, next year, for the byelaw to come into force.

More details on the process of the introduction of a fire byelaw and the details of the proposed restrictions can be found by clicking here

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