THE exclusion zone around a wildfire incident in the Cairngorms is set to be partially lifted.
The Cairngorms National Park Authority has confirmed that the cordon around the Glenmore corridor will reopen on Friday, August 7, at 8am.
However, several smaller areas that firefighters are still working to dampen down will remain closed off.
Other areas in the Glenmore area may also continue to be fenced off until the Park Authority, RSPB and Forestry Scotland are able to set up clear signage and route directions to keep the public away from affected areas.
Grant Moir, Chief Executive at the Cairngorms National Park Authority, said: "I am really glad that the Glenmore corridor will reopen tomorrow. It is such great news for local businesses, communities and everyone looking forward to spending time in this special part of the National Park.
"This milestone has only been possible thanks to the huge effort of businesses, volunteers and partner organisations who have worked tirelessly to make the area safe and prepare for reopening. We look forward to welcoming visitors to Glenmore and encourage everyone to support local businesses as they continue on the road to recovery.
"I was also pleased that Scottish Government announced a £3 million support package for affected businesses this afternoon, which will help them recover some of the considerable losses they have experienced over the past three weeks."
It comes after Nethy Bridge and the surrounding area was given the all-clear by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Businesses are open and tourists are allowed into the area, although some roads around the Abernethy forest remain closed.
Earlier on Thursday a £3 million support package was announced by the Scottish Government to help provide emergency funding to businesses that have been forced to close or have lost revenue due to the fire.
Visitors are urged to plan their journeys and hikes using an updated map, available here, which shows where firefighting exclusions remain.
