Risk of wildfires intensify across dry countryside

Blazes across the country have prompted a warning of an increased risk of wildfires.

Fire chiefs said discarded cigarettes and unattended barbecues or campfires can trigger infernos which burn for days and devastate vast areas of land.

About 30 firefighters tackled a large heather fire in the Spittal area of Caithness on Saturday.

In Argyll, the A85 near Dalmally was closed for hours by a wildfire on both sides of the road at Glenlochy.

Anyone in the outdoors is urged to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

MOSSMORRAN