A major incident remains in place in the Cairngorms National Park after the evacuation of Nethy Bridge, although emergency services reported progress in containing the wildfire on Saturday.

The Highland village was evacuated as a precaution on Friday after changing wind conditions intensified the speed and direction of the fire. Police officers visited properties and residents were directed to a respite centre in Aviemore.

A fire break was established around the village overnight. The wind later changed direction, reducing the immediate threat to Nethy Bridge, but authorities warned residents not to return until emergency services give permission.

Military assistance requested

First Minister John Swinney chaired further meetings of the Scottish Government Resilience Room as fire, police, council and national park officials coordinated the response.

The Scottish Government said it had asked the UK Government for military assistance in the form of additional aerial support. Existing helicopters and ground crews were being concentrated in the areas where officials believed they could have the greatest effect.

The request reflects the scale and complexity of the incident. Wildfires across moorland and forest can spread quickly, while smoke, rough terrain and changing wind conditions make access difficult for firefighters.

Situation remains changeable

Officials described an improved picture on Saturday afternoon but stressed that the major incident remained active. Preventative work continued, including the construction of additional fire breaks designed to slow or redirect the blaze.

Swinney thanked emergency workers and local partners but warned that the weather could rapidly alter the situation. Members of the public were urged to avoid the affected areas so that fire crews could operate safely and without obstruction.

The evacuation has disrupted residents, holidaymakers and local businesses during the summer season. Authorities have also had to identify vulnerable people who may require transport, accommodation or other assistance.

Wildfire pressure

The Cairngorms contain large areas of woodland, peatland and upland vegetation. Extended dry conditions can leave that landscape vulnerable to fires that are difficult to extinguish and can continue burning below the surface.

Smoke can affect communities well beyond the visible fire line, while damage to peat can release significant quantities of stored carbon and leave lasting environmental scars.

The priority remains the protection of life and property. Emergency planners will also have to assess the ecological impact, the resources required for recovery and whether the incident reveals gaps in Scotland's capacity to respond to increasingly severe wildfire conditions.

For evacuated residents, the latest progress offers cautious reassurance, but the official message remains unchanged: stay away until the area is declared safe.