Wildfire battles continue with 'extreme' warning in place

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has urged the public to "act responsibly" as an extreme wildfire warning remains in place across the country.

Firefighters worked through the night to tackle a number of blazes across Scotland, including one at Glen Rosa on the Isle of Arran.

Meanwhile crews are expected to be working through the night to tackle a large grass fire in Cumbernauld which broke out on Thursday evening.

Wildfire warnings have been issued at the highest level for Friday and Saturday following a long period of dry weather.

In Cumbernauld, firefighters were called to reports of the blaze near Fannyside Loch at 20:40 on Thursday.

By 22:00 on Friday four fire engines were still at the scene, though operations were being scaled back. Firefighters are expected to remain at the site through the night.

A fire service spokesperson earlier urged members of the public to avoid the area and said those who live locally should close windows and doors.

Firefighters also contained a wild blaze on an area of dunes and grass near a gas plant in Peterhead.

Crews were called to the area near the St Fergus Gas Terminal at about 13:00 - including a specialist wildfire unit and five fire engines - and left at about 19:40.

Some properties in Cumbernauld were evacuated overnight including a dog kennel and cattery.

Eran Yehudai, the owner of Crowbank Kennels and Cattery told BBC Scotland News he had to evacuate 25 dogs and 10 cats from the premises.

He said: "I was putting the dogs to bed as we do every evening but when I got out of the kennels I could see a red sky.

"Within a few minutes the fire was getting closer, we started seeing flames and by about 22:30 we decided we have no choice but to evacuate all the animals."

He called in help from staff and a neighbour who each packed their cars with crates to transport the animals away from the fire.

"When they were leaving there was already flames on the road, they were weaving between the flames - it was quite worrying and scary," he said.

Mr Yehudai was escorted back to the property by a fire chief so that he could get the last five dogs to safety. They returned early the following morning but are concerned they could end up have to evacuate again.

"Throughout the day I have seen smoke coming from the ground again, I take it there is a concern that the fire might reignite and we might find ourselves in the situation all over again," he said.

Councillor Adam Smith said locals in the nearest residential area, Abronhill, were concerned.

He told BBC Scotland News: "The glow from the fire lit up the sky for miles around.

"People were really alarmed and asking if they had to evacuate."

Smith, the SNP member for Cumbernauld East, also said residents in Airdrie and Coatbridge - up to 10 miles away - reported seeing the blaze.

The councillor said there had been a number of wildfires in the area but this was the "most significant" he had seen.

Fannyside Road is closed between Forest Road and Greengairs Road with the public urged to avoid the area.

A large grassfire also took hold at Glen Rosa on the Isle of Arran at about 13:00 on Thursday. Three crews were sent to the scene, with one remaining on Friday morning.

Police have told hillwalkers there will be no access to the popular Goatfell walk due to public safety.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service area commander Michael Humphreys urged people to act responsibly in rural areas.

He told BBC Radio's Good Morning Scotland programme: "What we see is the majority of fires, it is human behaviour that starts the fire in the first place."

"Enjoy the countryside, it is a sunny day today, but act responsibly.

"If you normally use a barbecue maybe think about taking a picnic instead or using a designated area.

"Take all your litter home, glass can reflect and start a fire and if you do smoke just make sure your cigarette is absolutely fully out."

Wildfires have been extinguished in Skye, Aberdeen, Thurso, Rothesay, Bonhill, the Galloway Forest Park and the Pentland Hills near Edinburgh in recent days.

The extreme warning will remain in place until Saturday with temperatures set to cool over the weekend.