Series of wildfires across Scotland during 'extreme' alert

Crews were called back to the Tarbet blaze at 06:15 on Sunday after initial extinguishing concluded around 00:30 on Sunday.

SFRS data shows that since 2010, 80% of the recorded large outdoor fires occurred between March and May. The period is critical because dead ground vegetation left over from winter can act as fuel for fires, temperatures are rising and there is an increase in outdoor activity. The article notes climate change as a factor; 2025 was the worst on record for wildfires (239).

A new strategy has been rolled out during Scotland's busiest three months for wildfires. The fire service has invested in new equipment and expanded a scheme where volunteers and equipment from local communities are used to help tackle blazes.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said an 'extreme' wildfire warning for Western Scotland and a 'very high' warning for central and eastern areas would remain in place until midnight.

On Ugie Beach in Peterhead, three fire engines were sent to a blaze just before 21:00. It was extinguished by about 23:00. Police Scotland said it was being treated as deliberate and inquiries were ongoing.

At about 14:45 on Saturday, fire crews were alerted to an established blaze behind the village of Tarbet. Four crews and a specialist team fought the flames for nine hours, leaving just after 00:30 on Sunday, before being called back at 06:15 on Sunday.

On the Isle of Skye at 14:30 a small grass fire took hold near Struan and was put out by three crews within two hours.

A five-mile blaze was reported on the banks of Loch Fionn near Lochinver just before 14:00 on Saturday. Three fire crews attended and were on scene for more than two hours; The Assynt Foundation, which manages the land, and workers from neighbouring estates used leafblowers to help extinguish the flames.