Wildfire breaks out as Scotland under 'extreme risk'
A firefighter walking away from the scene of a wildfire near Inverness in the Highlands. A bushy area with trees is ablaze in the background of the shot
Fire crews are tackling the blaze on a grassy area near Inverness
A wildfire has broken out in an area of grass near Inverness following a week of dry, sunny weather.
Smoke from the blaze between Culduthel and Inverarnie was visible from the southside of the city. Six fire engines and a water tanker have been sent to the scene.
It is the second wildfire to take hold in Scotland in 24 hours - a blaze in the West Kilpatrick Hills in West Dunbartonshire broke out on Thursday afternoon and has now been extinguished.
All low-lying areas in Scotland are currently under an "extreme" risk warning for wildfires, issued by the fire service.
Highland Council said the number 14 bus service from Inverness Bridge Street to Whitebridge had been diverted.
The B861 Inverness to Inverarnie road has also been closed in both directions.
Ash from the blaze is being carried for several miles by the wind, including into Inverness city centre.
The first wildfire alert in Scotland was issued earlier this month, though the fire service put out an "extreme" warning earlier this week, taking effect on Friday.
Temperatures are expected to reach 18C.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service defines wildfires as large, uncontrolled outdoor fires that can exceed 1,000 square metres in area.
They typically happen in places with combustible vegetation that acts as fuel and allows fire to spread rapidly.
The fire service has urged people who live within or who may enter rural environments to exercise caution.