Part of the wildfire cordon around a village in the Cairngorms has been lifted after weeks of firefighting efforts to contain it.
Road and access restrictions have been in place around the Glenmore area as firefighters tackled the wildfire in Cairngorms National Park since it began near the Ryvoan Bothy, close to Aviemore, at around midday on July 15.
After three weeks of disruption, the national park’s managing authority confirmed the C7 Ski Road, known as the Glenmore corridor, opened on Friday morning.
However, some areas directly impacted by the fire will continue to be restricted for safety, and some roads near Abernethy Forest.
This includes the Forest Lodge access road, Lettoch Road and Dorback.
Sandy McCook, chairman of the Nethy Bridge and vicinity community council, said the situation had improved but there is still danger from the wildfire, which continues to burn underground in peatland.
Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland’s Breakfast programme, he said smoke from the fire had appeared “apocalyptic” at its height.
He said: “Things have calmed down. The fire is still by no means out.
“There’s a perception with people that if there’s no smoke, there’s no fire. But the fire is still burning underground.”
He said the three-week closure had impacted a number of businesses in the popular tourist area, which rely heavily on trade during the summer months.
Mr McCook said: “It’s it’s still very much an ongoing incident without any known end.”
Grant Moir, chief executive at the Cairngorms National Park Authority, said earlier: “It is such great news for local businesses, communities and everyone looking forward to spending time in this special part of the national park.”
Mr Moir said: “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.”
So far more than 500 firefighters have been deployed to fight the blaze, which has devastated an estimated 25 square kilometres (9.65 square miles) of land since it started.
On Thursday night around 20 firefighters continued to work in the area with specialist resources including a high-volume pump.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said helicopter support is unlikely to be required beyond Friday, but firefighting operations will continue to focus efforts in the remote area around Abernethy Forest, where there are deep-seated peat fires.
There will also be no access to the Green Lochan.
The map of the path closures can be found on the Park Authority website at: cairngorms.co.uk/news/glenmore-corridor-to-reopen
