RESIDENTS were evacuated after a large wildfire ripped through the Cairngorms National Park.

The fire broke out in heathland at Ryvoan Bothy, near Nethy Bridge, late on Wednesday morning, and by the evening covered an area two kilometres wide, inundating local villages and towns with smoke.

Six fire engines were in attendance to dowse the flames and create firebreaks to halt the wildfire’s advance.

Urging remaining residents in Aviemore, Glenmore and the surrounding communities to keep their doors and windows closed, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service deputy assistant chief officer Ian McMeekin said today: “This is a large-scale fire front, and our crews are working tirelessly to bring this fire under control.

“We must stress again that a very high risk of wildfire remains in place for large parts of Scotland this week.

“We anticipate being on scene for a considerable time to bring this incident to a safe conclusion.

“We know this is a very popular site for visitors and hillwalkers and we would ask that people continue to avoid this area until further notice.”