Highland wildfire reaches ‘within 100 yards’ of care home

caught onto any of the pine trees it was like some sort of explosion.”

The councillor said Daviot Care Home was preparing for “a full scale evacuation” because the widfire swept across the other side of the B9154 road that goes past the residence.

"The fire came within 100 yards of the care home,” he said.

"It was very close. You can see the damage now from the flames on some land just on the other side of the road.

“A neighbour told me there was a fleet of buses from D&E Coaches outside in case of a full scale evacuation of patients and staff from the busy care home.”

Donald Matheson, who owns D&E Coaches, confirmed the company had four vehicles on standby in case the flames reached any closer to the property.

One video on social media showed the wildfire engulfing a tree in a Daviot resident’s garden, just metres from their house.

Mr Macpherson added: “Even further away in Inverness there was a pungent smell

Flames ripped through part of the Highlands on Saturday, reportedly covering an area up to a mile long of ash in the air.

"Once raindrops started to appear, you could see that cars were covered in ash.”

He said local contractors were out with diggers turning the soil to create fire breaks.

A spokesperson for Daviot Care Home said: "All of our colleagues have been amazing as they have supported our residents, who are all doing well and remain in high spirits. We would like to thank the emergency services for their hard work, and for supporting the home throughout.”

The SFRS said the flames continued to burn throughout the night, with six fire engines and specialist resources on site tackling the fire.

Helicopters also assisted with dousing the flames.

Four fire engines were at the scene to ensure the area is safe, SFRS added.

Emergency services have warned people in the affected area and surroundings to stay indoors and close all windows and doors to prevent smoke inhalation.

Saturday was the hottest day of the year for Scotland, after 29.8°C was recorded in Auchincruive, Ayrshire.