Wild fire warning issued for eastern Scotland amid concerns over 'extreme' heat
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is urging the public to take the extra care in the countryside after the risk of wild fires in eastern areas was raised to "very high".
Although the country's expected to escape the extreme weather forecast south of the border, temperatures are still expected to reach up to twenty-four degrees Celsius at the start of next week.
And people who live, work or are visiting rural areas are being advised to act responsibly - and think twice about starting a barbeque - to avoid fires breaking out.
The warning - which includes areas around Edinburgh, the Borders and Fife - remains in place until Thursday.
SFRS Group Commander, Lynne Gow said: "Spring is the peak time for wildfires in Scotland when accumulated dead grass, leaves, twigs and heather acts as fuel which can spread fires quickly over a wide area. However, temperatures are rising and, although cooler than elsewhere in the UK, the dry, warm weather is expected to continue throughout the week.
“With a westerly wind, humidity will be higher in the west but the summer drying conditions and rising temperatures mean that eastern areas of Scotland are rated as ‘very high’ risk over the next few days.
“Wildfire can destroy wide areas of landscape and wildlife but human behaviour can dramatically reduce the risk of wildfire. We need people to be aware of how quickly things can get out of hand - the smallest outdoor ignition can spread rapidly and burn for days. Therefore, we are asking people to act responsibly when enjoying the outdoors and please think twice before using anything involving a naked flame."