An extreme wildfire warning has been issued across all of Scotland ahead of a blistering bank holiday weekend.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), along with the Scottish Wildfire Forum (SWF), has announced a series of warnings amid soaring temperatures, which are set to hit 21C.
The whole country will fall under an extreme risk of wildfire on Thursday, with the caution remaining in place until Friday.
People living in southwest Scotland have also been warned of a “very high risk” of wildfire from Wednesday.
Meanwhile, those in southern Scotland and the central Highlands have been told there is a a "very high risk" of wildfires erupting in the region on Saturday.
The head of prevention at the SFRS and chair of the SWF - Kenny Barbour - has told Scots to be cautious ahead of the May bank holiday weekend.
He said: "We will be seeing an extreme risk of wildfire across the whole of Scotland.
“We know people will be wanting to enjoy the good weather, but we ask they do so responsibly.
The whole country will fall under an extreme risk of wildfire on Thursday, with the caution remaining in place until Friday
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“People should avoid lighting outdoor fires and be mindful that one spark can spread, causing a large amount of damage. Remember, there’s no such thing as a harmless fire.”
The SWF chairman added: “Wildfires have the potential to destroy property, landscapes and wildlife, which is why it is so important that members of the public use extreme caution under these conditions.”
Mr Barbour also urged Scots to make their family and relatives aware of the wildfire risks for the weekend.
Those who see an outdoor blaze have been told to report them immediately by calling 999, providing their location, and any other relevant information to allow emergency services to respond swiftly.
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Scots have been urged to make their family and relatives aware of the wildfire risks ahead of the weekend
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In 2025, Scotland suffered its most severe wildfire season in history.
A record 241 wildfire incidents were reported throughout the year - with 109 occurring in April alone - according to the SFRS.
Between July 28 and July 2, 2025, wildfires around Carrbridge and Dava Moor were the largest ever recorded in Britain.
In total, more than 10,000 hectares of moorland, peatland and woodland were destroyed, with flames reaching up to 20 metres in length.
A record 241 wildfire incidents were reported throughout 2025 - with 109 occurring in April alone
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Over 1,500 wildfires have taken place in Scotland in the past decade, the Scottish Conservatives revealed last year.
Just under 600 of these blazes were reported in the Highlands alone.
The Scottish Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Tim Eagle, MSP described the rising numbers as "alarming".
He said: “These figures need to be an urgent wake up call for ministers like him to change their approach.
“John Swinney must guarantee that rural Scotland won’t be harmed further by misguided legislation and that the SNP’s actions do not increase the threat these communities are increasingly facing from wildfires.”
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