The Scottish Government Cairngorms fire recovery fund, administered by Highland Council offers financial support to small businesses affected by the Cairngorms wildfire.

The fund aims to support small businesses that have lost more than 20% of their income because of the fire. This may include businesses impacted by closures, access restrictions or other disruption resulting from the wildfire. It aims to help businesses:

• recover from the impact of the fire
• stabilise operations
• continue trading
• return to normal business activity

The level of support available depends on where your business is located and does not cover losses that could be claimed through insurance. The fund closes for applications on 25 September 2026.

There are two tiers of support available.

Tier 1 support is for businesses inside the affected cordon area covering the period of 15 July 2026 to 7 August 2026. 

Tier 1 support is also for businesses in Nethy Bridge covering the cordon period from 24 July 2026 to 26 July 2026. 

Businesses with tier 1 can receive a grant of up to 75% of lost income. 

Tier 2 support is for businesses outside the cordon but within the eligible affected area.

An interactive map for eligible areas is available on the Highland Council website. 

Yes, if your business is:

• a micro, small or medium sized enterprise
• a charity, social enterprise or community group
• has lost more than 20% of its income because of the fire

To apply for the fund you must be:

• the property owner or primary leaseholder
• a registered business
• licensed for your business activities

You are not eligible if:

• your business is a national or multinational chain
• your business is a property management company
• you are a property management agent
• your organisation is owned, controlled, operated or a subsidiary of the Scottish Government

This is a free service. 

Businesses affected by the Cairngorms wildfire in the Highlands and Cairngorms area of Scotland.

Applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and timescales may vary.

The fund closes for applications on 25 September 2026.

If you owe money to the Highland Council, including non-domestic rates arrears, this may be deducted from any grant award before payment is made. 

Visit the Highland Council website for more information and to find out how to apply.