Wildfires which broke out across the Highlands and Moray have ravaged an area the size of 10,500 football pitches.
Fire crews have returned to the scene of the wildfires for a fourth day on Tuesday, with eight appliances remaining at various locations from Nairn to Knockando.
It emerged on Tuesday that the size of the area damaged by the wildfires, which broke out on Saturday, is around 7,500 hectares – equivalent to 10,500 football pitches.
Thousands of animals have been killed in the fires, and pockets of peat remain burning as fire crews from Aberdeenshire, Moray, and the Highlands continue work to control the flames.
Specialist equipment such as all-terrain vehicles, fogging units, beaters, and leaf blowers have been used while SFRS wildfire tactical advisors have coordinated the response.
Several road closures remain in place, and members of the public have been urged to avoid travelling to the areas impacted.
Locals have also been urged to keep windows and doors closed if smoke is still visible in affected areas.
Former SNP-turned-Independent MSP Fergus Ewing has attacked the Scottish Government following the outbreak of wildfires, criticising the lack of available helicopters to tackle the flames over the weekend.
He told STV News: “There were serious failings. There were no helicopters available on Sunday at all, and fire appliances can’t get to moorland.
“Helicopters are the rural fire engines. Imagine if there were a fire in the Central Belt and there were no fire engines. That surely was wrong.”
He also blasted the Scottish Government for failing to convene to activate its emergency committee.
A Scottish Government spokesperson responded: “We understand the concerns about wildfires and we are in close contact with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and other responders as we continue to carefully monitor the situation.
“SFRS is fully prepared to deal with outbreaks, and we are grateful to them and other first responders for their ongoing efforts to keep people and property safe.
“Although SFRS has not declared a major incident and no requests for mutual aid were made at this afternoon’s resilience partnership meeting, we stand ready to provide support as required.”
SFRS deputy assistant chief officer Ross Robison said the vast scale of the fires has been “challenging” for fire crews due to strong winds, which caused fires to spread further across the landscape.
Local gamekeeper Calum Kippen said at one point, workers had to “flee for their lives” as sudden weather changes directed the fire into their path.
He said: “There were a number of gamekeepers who had been trying to carry out a tactical backburn. At that point, the wind changed, and the main fire headed towards them.
“It was over a mile away and they reckon it advanced towards them probably in less than ten minutes, that they had to flee for their lives.”
Deputy assistant chief officer Robison has praised the “tremendous effort” from all involved in the emergency response following the wildfire outbreak.
He said: “I’d like to recognise the efforts of all firefighters who attended and particularly those who are on call and often combine this role with other jobs in the community. They continue to be invaluable in responding to incidents like these that impact hugely on rural areas.
“We’ve been supported by the use of helicopters provided by partners for water bombardment, and we have deployed specialist wildfire teams and assets.”
He added: “We will continue to bring in relief crews and ensure the welfare of firefighters who remain at the scene working to bring these fires to a safe conclusion.
“We also want to recognise the overwhelming support for our crews from communities.”
SFRS added that it was aware of welfare supply donations to local stations from members of the public, and while grateful, is unable to accept any more items. Monetary donations also cannot be accepted.
The public has also been reminded to be mindful of the risk of wildfires and to prevent them from starting in the first place.
Fires, stoves, and BBQs should not be lit outdoors during dry periods, and litter should not be dropped, alongside cigarettes.
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