The Scottish government has allocated over £1 million to fund nature recovery initiatives across Scotland, with a significant portion dedicated to restoring areas devastated by a wildfire in the Cairngorms. The funding will support a range of projects focused on habitat and species restoration, river improvement, invasive species control, and deer management.
A specific allocation of £150,100 is earmarked for recovery and nature restoration efforts following the Abernethy wildfire in the Cairngorms in July. This targeted funding aims to restore damaged habitats, aid wildlife recovery, and mitigate the risk of future wildfires.
Other projects receiving support include river restoration initiatives, efforts to restore native oysters and create habitats for chough on Islay, and habitat restoration within four national nature reserves. Additional funding will also be provided for deer management programs.
Announcing the funding, Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin emphasized the importance of nature for human well-being and the economy. "This funding will support practical action, from improving habitats and rivers to tackling invasive species and supporting sustainable land management," she stated, highlighting the global challenge of nature recovery.
Grant Moir, chief executive of the Cairngorms National Park Authority, welcomed the funding as a crucial boost for recovery efforts. "The funding announced today by Ms Martin is a very welcome boost that will help us to kickstart nature recovery in the area," he said. The funds will enable actions such as replacing damaged wildlife monitoring cameras and restoring sections of the Duack burn impacted by firebreaks.
Stuart MacQuarrie, NatureScot's director of nature and climate change, noted that the funding empowers more people across Scotland to act for nature. He highlighted how local efforts contribute to a national drive for nature's recovery, aiming for a future where Scotland's nature is healthy and thriving. This investment is part of a broader £23 million nature restoration budget planned for 2026-27.