HM Coastguard - Moray

25/08/2026

[Updated at 11.50am on Wednesday, 26 August]

Four fire appliances and specialist resources remain at the scene today as crews continue to dampen down hotspots.

[Posted at 6.45pm on Tuesday, 25 August]

We are currently in attendance at a large fire in the open in Hopeman, Elgin.

We were alerted at 4.33pm this afternoon and Operations Control mobilised six fire appliances, a wildfire unit and specialist resources to the scene of the fire, which is approximately 250 metres x 100 metres.

People are asked to avoid the area as crews work to extinguish the fire.

Due to a large amount of smoke in the area, nearby residents should keep windows and doors closed as a precaution.

Crews remain at the scene.

15/08/2026

And… cut 🎥

On Saturday, HM Coastguard rope rescue teams from across Area 3, North East Scotland, came together to support filming with BBC Landward. The event provided an excellent opportunity for our coastguard rescue officers (CROs) to showcase their specialist rope rescue capabilities while undertaking valuable training.

Phil Skingle, Coastal Operations Area Commander, said:
"This was a fantastic opportunity for our teams to come together, strengthen operational skills through training and support BBC Landward with their filming. The CROs involved were enthusiastic and proud to be part of the event, demonstrating the professionalism and dedication that our teams bring to coastal rescue operations every day."

We look forward to seeing the finished feature and highlighting the important work carried out by our CROs across North East Scotland.
Landward

01/08/2026

🔵🚨 Incident Update – Slains Castle 🚨🟡

This afternoon, Coastguard Rescue Teams from Cruden Bay, Peterhead and Macduff were tasked to reports of an injured person on the cliffs near Slains Castle.

Working alongside our colleagues from the Scottish Ambulance Service, two Coastguard Rope Rescue Technicians descended the cliff with an additional Coastguard Rescue Officer and a SORT paramedic to assess and stabilise the casualty. Once ready for extraction, Coastguard Rescue Helicopter R851 winched the casualty to safety before they were transferred into the care of the Scottish Ambulance Service.

We would like to thank our colleagues from Police Scotland North East, the Scottish Ambulance Service and RNLI Fraserburgh Lifeboat for their vital assistance during this challenging incident.

If you find yourself in difficulty at the coast, or see anyone in trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard 🛟

25/07/2026

A multi-agency response remains ongoing for the large fire within Cairngorms National Park.

Police Scotland declared a major incident on Friday, 24 July, 2026, following a change in the weather.

All properties in Nethy Bridge have since been evacuated. Properties in a small area north-west of Dorback Lodge (Lain Thatchan) are also being evacuated as a precaution.

Residents are being directed to the designated respite centre of MacDonald Aviemore Resort.

There are no current plans for further evacuations, however planning is in place with partners should the situation change and other nearby areas require to be evacuated.

Those who live in the affected areas and the areas that are currently being impacted by the spread of smoke, including Aberdeenshire and Moray, are asked to keep all windows and doors closed. Anyone with concerns should visit https://orlo.uk/uW4Jd

Enough heavy machinery and plant have now been identified and there is no further requirement for additional items at this time. Thank you to those who responded to the request.

Please continue to avoid the area while emergency services continue their operational response safely and effectively.

Superintendent Judy Hill said: “The situation in the Cairngorms National Park continues to present challenges to the emergency services. The wind has abated slightly compared to yesterday, but there remains a risk to the area of Nethy Bridge.

“Additional resources were deployed to the area and police have spoken to residents at every property in the exclusion zone. Some people attended the designated respite centre while others have made alternative arrangements. Those directly affected are being updated regarding when they may be able to return to their homes.

“I understand this remains a very concerning time for residents, businesses and visitors to the Cairngorms region. Please be assured that the multi-agency response remains fully committed to bringing this incident to a safe conclusion as quickly as possible.

“I would encourage people to turn to official sources for advice and information.”

Members of the public should continue to avoid the affected areas within the Cairngorms National Park. The area remains unsafe due to active firefighting operations, rapidly changing fire conditions and helicopter activity.

The following areas remain closed or subject to access restrictions:

• Paths around Glenmore, Loch Morlich and Badaguish.
• Low-level routes including the Old Logging Way and routes providing access to Cairngorm Mountain, the Northern Corries, Meall A' Bhuachaille, the Green Loch (Lochan Uaine), Strath Nethy and Bynack More.
• Paths within Abernethy Forest to the south of Forest Lodge towards Ryvoan Bothy.

Residents are urged to follow all advice issued by Police Scotland and emergency services.

24/07/2026

Police Scotland has declared a major incident as emergency services continue to respond to the ongoing wildfire within the Cairngorms National Park.

The decision follows a significant change in weather conditions, with strengthening winds contributing to increased unpredictable fire behaviour and the spread of the wildfire towards Nethy Bridge.

As a precaution, all residents of Nethy Bridge are being evacuated to allow emergency services to continue their operational response safely and effectively. Residents are being directed to a dedicated respite centre at the Macdonald Aviemore Resort and access roads into Nethy Bridge have been closed.

Members of the public should continue to avoid the affected areas within the Cairngorms National Park. The area remains unsafe due to active firefighting operations, rapidly changing fire conditions and helicopter activity.

The following areas remain closed or subject to access restrictions:
• Paths around Glenmore, Loch Morlich and Badaguish.
• Low-level routes including the Old Logging Way and routes providing access to Cairngorm Mountain, the Northern Corries, Meall A' Bhuachaille, the Green Loch (Lochan Uaine), Strath Nethy and Bynack More.
• Paths within Abernethy Forest to the south of Forest Lodge towards Ryvoan Bothy.

Residents are urged to follow all advice issued by Police Scotland and emergency services.

Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.

Read more here: https://www.scotland.police.uk/what-s-happening/news/2026/july/police-scotland-declares-major-incident-as-emergency-services-respond-to-wildfire-near-nethy-bridge/

21/07/2026

🚨🌊 PETERHEAD SCOTTISH WEEK - BLUE LIGHT FESTIVAL! 🌊🚨
We’re delighted to announce that the Peterhead Coastguard Rescue Team will be attending the Peterhead Scottish Week Blue Light Festival on 25th July! 🚔🚒🚑🌊
We’ll be there alongside our fellow blue light services, meeting the public, showcasing what we do and having a fantastic day with the community! 💙
We’re also delighted to announce that the Coastguard Association will be joining us for the event to celebrate their 50th Anniversary taking in their big tour of all 18 operational area's of HM Coastguard.
It will be great to have them there with us! ⚓️🌊
Come along, say hello and support this fantastic community event! We look forward to seeing you all there! 💙

10/06/2026

Recruitment

A reminder that our Coastguard Rescue Stations at Burghead and Buckie will be open tomorrow evening, Thursday 11th June from 1900 to 2030.

Address details can be found on our previous post.

If you are interested in applying, please head along and have a chat with the team! There's no requirement to book a place, just turn up!

08/06/2026

🚨 Volunteer Recruitment News



Interested in joining, but not sure what to expect?

Our Coastguard Rescue teams are opening their station doors to give you a behind the scenes look at what we do, and what rescue equipment we carry.

Come along, speak to our crews, and find out about what you can expect! We are extending our recruitment period until Monday 15th June and will accept applications until then.

Stations will be open this Thursday, 11th June from 1900 to 2030. For further information please email [email protected]

🟡 Burghead -

Burghead Coastguard Rescue Station, Unit 1Burghead Harbour Industrial Estate, Burghead, Moray, IV30 5UA.

🔵 Buckie -

Buckie Coastguard Rescue Station, Baron Street, Moray, AB56 1XD.

There is no requirement to book a slot, just turn up on the evening.

To apply just follow the link below:

The Coastguard Rescue Service is made up of volunteers who carry out rescues and help those in distress around our coast.

30/05/2026

Recruitment

Spotlight on Coastguard Rescue Team.

Our Coastguard Rescue Team based in Buckie provides a technical rope and water rescue capability, alongside our standard skill sets.

The team have in excess of 40 operational taskings each year, with 2024 seeing a record breaking 73 call outs. Covering a varied coastline, and our closet team to the River Spey, sees Buckie carry out a variety of rescues, from persons trapped on cliffs or islands, fallen climbers, people getting into difficulties in water, to animal rescues.

As a result of our search capability, our team from Buckie regularly assist our partner agencies during lost and missing person searches, frequently away from the coast.

If you'd like more information on joining and what it entails, some of the team will be attending the RNLI Buckie Lifeboat open day tomorrow, Sunday 31st May - pop along and see them!

26/05/2026

Recruitment

HM Coastguard is the UK’s 999 Maritime and Coastal emergency service.

The training for this intake will take place in the Aberdeen area - accommodation can be provided but you must be able to attend the following dates:

• Mon 21st to Fri 25th Sept 2026 inclusive and
• Sat 3rd and Sun 4th Oct 2026.

This training will include casualty care, navigation, communications, water rescue and much more!

Our latest new recruits from Macduff Coastguard Rescue Team recently attended helicopter training with our aircraft from Inverness, alongside team members from Fraserburgh and Peterhead. Continual training progresses throughout your time with HM Coastguard.

For further information and to apply, please visit the following link.

https://hmcoastguard.uk/volunteer-as-a-coastguard

Recruitment closes Sunday 7th June 2026.