Wildfire warning issued across Scotland's western and northern areas

This includes areas of the Outer and Inner Hebrides, Highlands, Argyll and Bute and Orkney Islands.

The warning then continues with a very high rating until at least Monday (11 March), according the new danger assessment, released in conjunction with the Scottish Wildfire Forum (SWF).

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 Michael Humphries is urging people who live within or who may enter rural environments to exercise caution.

He said: "We are asking the public to extreme caution in these areas 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."