“We could see lots of smoke today when we popped back home, masses coming from a very large area.
It is not contained by any means,” she said.
She reflected on the terrifying nature of the blaze compared to previous regional wildland fires.
“It was absolutely terrifying, nothing like I’ve felt before. The Dava Moor fire last summer was farther away from us,” Montague said.
Montague expressed relief at the emergency containment actions while lamenting the destruction of natural habitats.
“Thankfully they have managed to put in a firebreak,” she said.
She noted the environmental cost to the surrounding ancient forest land destroyed during firebreak construction.
“Where the fire started is the original area of the Caledonian forest, a desperately important ecosystem, which they were trying very hard to preserve and expand,” Montague said.
Montague voiced her sorrow regarding the heavy machinery intervention required across the landscape.
“The whole land had to be bulldozed for the firebreak, which is desperately sad,” she said.
Event organizers announced that the annual Abernethy Highland Games, scheduled for August 8, 2026, were canceled as the local community center continues to serve as an emergency response base.
“It is with great sadness and deep regret that given the ongoing wildfire and its response, the Abernethy Highland Games 2026 have today been cancelled,” event organizers said in a statement.
Public access restrictions remain active along popular trail networks, including routes around Glenmore, Loch Morlich, Badaguish, and Abernethy Forest.
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Authorities advise nearby residents in Tomintoul to keep windows and doors closed against lingering smoke.
