Chris Maclennan

Luka, a five-year-old Japanese macaque, escaped overnight from Highland Wildlife Park near Aviemore but returned to his enclosure on his own. The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland used thermal-imaging drones during the search and plans to give him a health check. The incident follows a similar escape by another macaque, Honshu, in 2024, after which the park improved fencing and introduced new management protocols.

The Scottish government has established a fund of up to £3m, to be administered by Highland Council, to help businesses affected by the Cairngorms wildfire. The fire, which began near Aviemore on 15 July, has damaged thousands of acres and forced businesses in Glenmore, Nethy Bridge and Aviemore to close during peak tourism season. Local businesses report significant losses, while firefighting teams continue tackling hotspots. Glenmore is expected to reopen to the public after the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service confirms the area is safe, although some restrictions will remain.