A plea has gone out to all landowners, farmers and crofters in the Highlands to stop muirburning, as firefighters struggle to contain wildfires in the continuing dry weather.

Helicopters were water bombing some of the most serious still burning last night, including Braeintra near Kyle of Lochalsh and Tornapress at Kishorn.

There were also fires at Glenfinnan, Invergarry and the Stratton Lodge area near Inverness.

Many of the fires are thought to be associated with hill farmers and landowners burning grass, heather and bracken to encourage new grazing.

Muirburning is allowed under The Muirburn Code from October 1 to April 30. However, there may be exceptional circumstances under which it can be extended.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service made clear it would work closely with police to enforce the rules.

A spokesman for the fire service said: "The current conditions are clearly unsuitable for muirburning. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are requesting landowners and land managers to stop all controlled burning.

"Over the last week, fire crews across the Highland and Islands area have attended almost 200 wildfire incidents."

Drew McFarlane Slack, Highland regional manager for the landowners' organisation Scottish Land and Estates, said: "Our members are very aware of the risks given the expenditure they incur in protecting their land.

"It may well be that Scottish Land and Estates will join farmers and crofters in an application to extend the muirburn season."