'Very high' wildfire warning in place across Scotland

A very high risk of wildfire is in place across all parts of Scotland until Tuesday 1 June, the country’s fire and rescue service has warned.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has urged people who live within or who may enter rural environments to exercise caution.

The 'very high' warning –released in conjunction with the Scottish Wildfire Forum (SWF) – remains in place from Sunday 31 May until Tuesday 1 June.

Wildfires have the potential to burn for days and devastate vast areas of land and wildlife; and threaten the welfare of nearby communities.

Area Commander Bruce Farquharson, the SFRS Wildfire Lead, said: "We are asking the public to exercise extreme caution and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame.

"Many rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by wildfires, which can cause significant damage.

"Livestock, farmland, wildlife, protected woodland and sites of special scientific interest can all be devastated by these fires - as can the lives of people living and working in rural communities.

"These fires can also have a hugely negative impact on the environment and the release of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere."

Human behaviour can significantly lower the chance of a wildfire starting, so it is crucial that people act safely and responsibly in rural environments, and always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code."