Residents and local businesses rallied around at the weekend to provide support to the emergency services battling the wildfire.
In an act of community spirit the hard-pressed firefighters and police officers were provided with food and refreshments to keep them going.
Scott Morrison, managing director of Dunrobin Castle, issued the first rallying cry after receiving an early morning call for aid from the police.
The Firefighting still going and thanks for all the kind messages already this morning. We are organised for food and water already this morning for the firefighters. All of your help is greatly appreciated. Thanks Laura.
— DunrobinCastle (@Dunrobin_Castle) July 8, 2018
The kitchens at the historic landmark were soon dishing-up dozens of fresh meals to the crews tackling the blaze.
And as word of mouth spread – and the scale of the fire became clear – individuals and business both local and across the Highlands became involved.
Dozens of individuals made fresh sandwiches, baguettes, scone and soup while Tesco, Morrisons and the Co-op all donated food and drink.
Multiple fire crews battle Highland wildfire for third consecutive day
In Golspie itself, the Trawler Restaurant provided more than 100 fish suppers to firefighters, while staff at the Golspie Inn laid on lunch and sent cans of juice to the front line.
Mr Morrison said he’d been delighted but not surprised by the response.
“Communities are at the heart of the Highlands, particularly small communities, and when something like this happens everyone comes together,” he said.
“The Helmsdale bus has been dropping off water and local councillors have been going out to the shops asking for donations, even if it’s just water.
Fire crews being rotated and having well deserved rest breaks ?. Fantastic local support from Golspie Community Council, @Dunrobin_Castle staff and The Trawler fish & chips shop in Golspie providing free food all day ????? pic.twitter.com/uDVDAdADRI
— LSO-Highland (@LSO_Highland) July 7, 2018
“The amount of people that have turned up in their cars with boots full of water and soft drinks has been overwhelming. My own house became the village drop-off point.
“Across the board, from local people to councillors, businesses and MSP’s, everyone has been asking what can be done and how can they help. It’s been completely amazing.”
A £500 donation swiftly made by Golspie Community Council to help relief efforts continue for the foreseeable future.
Councillor Richard Gale, for East Sutherland and Edderton, said: “The response from the community has been absolutely fantastic.
“We have received a number of donations from retailers such as Tesco and the Co-op in Tain and Golspie and all the way down to Morrisons in Alness who have provided donations of food which is really good.
“One of the fire fighters said in the 28 years in the job he has never seen such community spirit at any incident he has been at.
“It’s a pleasure to be a councillor for the area. The local community has risen to the occasion and it’s a privilege to be here as a representative to work for the local community. The ‘can do’ attitude has been fantastic.”
