dry spell

A record dry spell and unusually high temperatures in March are believed to have contributed to the fires.

Wildfire warnings have been issued at the highest level after the long dry spell with people enjoying the sun urged to be extremely cautious.

The dry spell has been caused by the jet stream - a river of fast flowing air high up in the atmosphere - which has recently been flowing far to the north of Scotland.

The long dry spell has also raised the risk of wildfires - with a new large grassfire reported in Glen Rosa on the Isle of Arran at about 13:00 on Thursday.

But this month's high temperatures and long dry spell have led to good conditions for wildfires to spread.