Path to Green Loch in the Cairngorms reopened after major wildfire

A path to the Cairngorms' well-known An Lochan Uaine - meaning the Green Loch - has been reopened after it was closed by a major wildfire that burned for almost five weeks.

The fire started in the Glenmore area, near Aviemore, on 15 July and it burned across about 10 sq miles (25 sq km) of moorland and forestry.

Some homes and campsites had to be evacuated, and at the height of the incident more than 500 firefighters were involved in the response.

Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) said it was possible to reopen the Ryvoan Trail, which An Lochan Uaine is on, following restoration and safety work.

The An Lochan Uaine gets its colour from the Sun reflecting minerals in rocks in and around the lochan.

According to folklore, the colour is the result of fairies washing their clothes in the small loch at night.

Many trails in the Cairngorms National Park were significantly affected by the wildfire.

FLS said fire-damaged trees had been removed from the edges of forest roads and marked walking trails.

It said detailed assessments of other trees and surrounding landscapes were carried out as part of work to safely reopen the trails.

FLS visitor services manager for Strathspey, Laura Nicoll, said: "Due to the ongoing risk of falling trees and branches in some parts of the park, visitors are strongly advised to stay on open forest roads and waymarked routes when within the burned area and follow any on-site signage."

The Ryvoan Trail and full Meall a'Bhuachaille circuit are back open.

But FLS said the right of way to Nethy Bridge, beyond An Lochan Uaine, remained closed until it could be made safe.