Firefighters battling wildfire near mountain in Ullapool as road closed amid 'heavy smoke'

Firefighters are battling a wildfire near a mountain in the Highlands with roads closed and heavy smoke visible in the area.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said crews are tackling the blaze at Stac Pollaidh in Inverpolly Forest, north of Ullapool on Sunday.

Crews say there is heavy smoke as a result of the fire and members of the public are urged to stay away.

Police Scotland confirmed the A835 is closed at the junction of Achiltibuie and the junction at Badnagyle due to the wildfire.

Glasgow & West

Images show ‘large’ wildfire raging across forest area as blaze spreads north

Firefighters worked through the night to deal with the large blaze after it was first reported around 11.50pm on Friday.

Emergency services are on the scene and drivers urged to avoid the area.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Firefighters are battling a wildfire at Stac Pollaidh, Inverpolly Forest, north of Ullapool.

“There is heavy smoke, and members of the public are urged to stay away from the area. Stay safe and share this information.”

A Police Scotland statement read: “The A835 is closed at the junction of Achiltibuie and the junction at Badnagyle following a wildfire reported around 9.50am on Sunday, April 6, 2025.

“Emergency services are in attendance and drivers are asked to avoid the area.”

🚒🔥 Firefighters are battling a wildfire at Stac Pollaidh, Inverpolly Forest, north of Ullapool.

There is heavy smoke, and members of the public are urged to stay away from the area. Stay safe and share this information. pic.twitter.com/OdIgvXOpUX
— Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (@fire_scot) April 6, 2025

It comes amid an ongoing wildfire spreading from Galloway Forest Park towards neighbouring parts of South Ayrshire at Loch Doon.

Firefighters worked through the night to deal with the large blaze after it was first reported around 11.50pm on Friday.

The blaze is affecting Merrick Hill, Ben Yellary, Glen Trool and Loch Dee near Newton Stewart.

Residents living nearby have are advised to keep windows and doors closed.

Anyone planning to camp in the area have also been told to leave.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said it was initially called around 4.20pm on Thursday to reports of a large area of grass on fire north of Loch Dee.

Two appliances remain on the scene of the blaze at Glen Trool in the Galloway Forest Park.

Helicopters remain in use to “water-bomb” the fire, with Galloway Mountain Rescue Team also assisting.