Firefighters have been tackling a series of large wildfires across parts of the tinderbox dry Highlands.
Fires measuring two miles wide were close to the village of Strontian on the Ardnamurchan peninsula in one of the most serious of the incidents. Emergency crews are also fighting wildfires on the Tolsta area of Lewis on the Western Isles, the Isle of Skye, Mallaig and Glenelg.
Northern Constabulary said the wildfires "are potentially very dangerous, spreading fast, changing direction and jumping to other areas".
Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue said there was a slight concern over a risk to property after the Strontian blaze started in woodland at lunchtime.
Six appliances and 30 firefighters were at the scene and the situation was to be reassessed at first light this morning.
A nearby care home manager readied staff for a possible evacuation.
Crews battled to bring a blaze at Tolsta under control. A Northern Constabulary spokesman said: "This fire continues to burn and is being monitored."
At Glenelg, firefighters were tackling a one-mile flame front. Minor fires had been extinguished at Mallaig and Ullapool, along with Lewis and Skye.
A large number of similar incidents have been reported in recent days, with extra cover drafted in from elsewhere in the Highlands and in Strathclyde.
The blazes began after the drier weather in the region created tinderbox conditions in contrast to the snow in southern and eastern parts of the country.
Graham Robertson, a group manager at Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue, said: "The west coast is tinder dry, it has been all week and the wind is whipping up the fires.
"We are asking members of the public in the countryside to be very careful, especially with naked flames."
Land managers and estate owners were urged to carry out any small burning on their estates responsibly and safely and to check guidelines on the activity.
Northern Constabulary said the area is "currently experiencing a spate of uncontrolled wildfires during these dry and windy conditions".
Householders were also told to avoid lighting garden bonfires where there is a high wind or strong sun. They are advised to keep shovel and hose ready for emergencies.
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