Grass fire amid ice warnings

Sunshine bathed the West Highlands yesterday but a mountain rescue team leader warned walkers of lethal ice on the hills.

Andy Ravenhill, leader of Oban Mountain Rescue Team, cautioned walkers not to let the winter sunshine fool them.

He said: “The west coast is the place to be at the moment, as far as hill walking is concerned, but you have to be prepared for the conditions because it is icy up there, crampons are essential because it’s icy underfoot. As the travel agencies recommend, do a bit of preparation, pay attention to the forecast.”

As freezing temperatures prevailed a grass fire, usually seen in summer, broke out above Appin, Argyll, on Monday night.