Series of wildfires burn on the Isle of Bute Published duration 20 April 2019

image copyright Ted Leeming

A series of wildfires took hold on the north side of the Isle of Bute.

The fire service said a large area of moorland and forestry were affected.

Local residents, including SNP minister Michael Russell posted images of the blazes on social media after they broke out during Thursday night and Friday.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue service said an appliance had been sent to the scene but returned when darkness fell as it was deemed too dangerous to be on the hills.

image copyright Ted Leeming

image copyright Ted Leeming

One crew returned on Saturday morning to ensure the blaze had not reignited.

A spokesman added: "The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was alerted at 14:36 on Friday, April 19 to reports of an area of grass on fire at Balmakailly Hill in Rothesay, Bute.

"Operations Control mobilised two appliances, and crews extinguished the fire before leaving the scene at 16:57.

"There were no casualties."

image copyright Ted Leeming

image copyright Ted Leeming