Inverness-shire and the Highlands given "very high risk" of wildfire warning by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
A large swathe of the Highlands is facing a heightened wildfire risk this weekend.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) issued the warning of a “very high risk” of wildfire in many parts of the country from today until Monday.
It includes Inverness-shire, Nairn-shire, the Loch Ness area, Easter Ross and southern parts of Sutherland and up to the east coast of Caithness.
The emergency service blamed a build-up of dead grass and heather left over from last year, which can dry very quickly as temperatures increase, for exacerbating and the risk of fire.
The service urged people living, working or visiting rural areas to exercise caution over the next few days.
The very high warning – released in conjunction with the Scottish Wildfire Forum (SWF) – will remain in place until Monday.
SFRS group commander Niall MacLennan said: "Numerous wildfires across Scotland this spring – including a wildfire at Kinlochmoidart which spanned the course of three days – have shown how real the danger of fire is in the countryside and how damaging it can be to the environment, wildlife and nearby communities.
"With rising temperatures this weekend and further dry conditions into next week, wildfires could burn and spread with very high intensity in high-risk areas.
"Therefore, it is crucial that people act responsibly when enjoying the outdoors and please think twice before using anything involving a naked flame."
