Forestry and Land Scotland says mature Scots pines may be lost from a Highland landscape hit by a huge summer wildfire. The agency fears many of the so-called 'granny pines' around Glenmore in the Cairngorms could be lost, but has also reported encouraging signs of natural recovery among other species.
Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) staff monitoring the site have recorded birch, rowan and willow regenerating from surviving stems and root systems. Large areas of hillside are becoming green again as grasses, bracken and blaeberry begin to make a comeback. The agency said this was particularly apparent where moisture had remained in the soil or where the fire intensity was lower.
The fire burned through about 10 square miles of forest and moorland near Aviemore in July and August. FLS forestry management and stewardship forester Eelco de Jong warned there were 'significant challenges' ahead because organic soil layers had been badly affected and the area's renowned Scots pine had been damaged.
'The concern is many of the oldest "granny pines" could be lost, removing important seed sources and habitat for species such as capercaillie,' de Jong said. 'Some of these veteran trees were more than 100 or 200 years old and, where losses occur, it could take centuries for trees of a similar stature to return to the landscape.'
Deer and capercaillie are now being regularly spotted in the fire-affected area, attracted by the new grass growth.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The ancient 'granny pines' are vital seed sources for the entire ecosystem; their loss could stall the natural regeneration of the Caledonian forest for centuries.
- The blaze highlights the growing threat of intense wildfires in traditionally wet Scottish uplands, a pattern likely linked to a changing climate.
- The mixed outcome of severe damage among old growth and rapid regrowth of pioneer species shows the complex long-term recovery trajectory for this iconic landscape.
Background
A massive wildfire tore through the Cairngorms near Aviemore in July and August 2026, burning roughly 10 square miles of forest and moorland in an event that was described as apocalyptic by local officials. The Glenmore area is renowned for its Scots pine, a keystone species of the ancient Caledonian Forest. This update from Forestry and Land Scotland comes several months after the blaze was contained.
What to Watch
- Whether the surviving 'granny pines' succumb to fire stress over the coming winter, extending the tally of losses.
- How the potential removal of seed sources affects the long-term regeneration dynamics of the Scots pine in the burn area.
- The pace and success of broadleaf recovery in providing new habitat for key species such as capercaillie.
Checked
12 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 12 supported.
Show each claim
- SupportedThe headline says fears remain that ancient “granny pines” could be lost after a huge Cairngorms wildfire.BBC News: “Mature Scots Pine trees may be lost from a Highland landscape hit by a huge summer wildfire, experts fear. Forestry and Land Scotland say the blaze around Glenmore in the Cairngorms may have led to the loss of many so-called "granny pines" which have matured over centuries.”
- SupportedThe headline says signs of recovery are emerging after the wildfire.BBC News: “However, the Scottish government agency said there were many encouraging signs of natural recovery among other species following the fire.”
- SupportedThe summary says centuries-old Scots pines may be lost.BBC News: “Forestry and Land Scotland say the blaze around Glenmore in the Cairngorms may have led to the loss of many so-called "granny pines" which have matured over centuries.”
- SupportedThe summary says broadleaf vegetation is showing promising regrowth.BBC News: “FLS forestry management and stewardship forester Eelco de Jong said the recovery of broadleaf vegetation was promising with lots of birch, rowan and willow expected to grow back quickly.”
- SupportedThe opening attributes the warning that mature Scots pines may be lost to Forestry and Land Scotland.BBC News: “Mature Scots Pine trees may be lost from a Highland landscape hit by a huge summer wildfire, experts fear. Forestry and Land Scotland say the blaze around Glenmore in the Cairngorms may have led to the loss of many so-called "granny pines"”
- SupportedDe Jong said: “The concern is many of the oldest ‘granny pines’ could be lost, removing important seed sources and habitat for species such as capercaillie.”BBC News: “He said: "The concern is many of the oldest 'granny pines' could be lost, removing important seed sources and habitat for species such as capercaillie."”
- SupportedDe Jong said some veteran trees were more than 100 or 200 years old and losses could take centuries to replace with trees of similar stature.BBC News: “"Some of these veteran trees were more than 100 or 200 years old and, where losses occur, it could take centuries for trees of a similar stature to return to the landscape."”
- SupportedFLS staff recorded birch, rowan and willow regenerating from surviving stems and root systems.BBC News: “Forestry and Land Scotland staff who have been monitoring the site have recorded birch, rowan and willow regenerating from surviving stems and root systems.”
- SupportedThe fire burned through about 10 square miles of forest and moorland near Aviemore in July and August.BBC News: “It burned through about 10 sq miles of forest and moorland near Aviemore in July and August.”
- SupportedDe Jong warned of significant challenges ahead because organic soil layers were badly affected and the area's Scots pine was damaged.BBC News: “However, he warned that there were "significant challenges" ahead because of organic soil layers being badly affected and due to damage to the area's renowned Scots pine.”
- SupportedFLS said regrowth was particularly apparent where soil moisture remained or fire intensity was lower.BBC News: “The agency said this was particularly apparent where moisture had remained in the soil or where fire intensity was lower.”
- SupportedDeer and capercaillie are regularly being spotted in the fire-affected area, attracted by new grass growth.BBC News: “Deer and capercaillie are now being regularly spotted in the fire damaged area, attracted by the new grass growth.”