Cairngorms wildfire 'contained', but very high risk remains

Volunteers have joined fire crews in working to control the blaze

Firefighters have contained a large-scale wildfire at Cairngorms National Park, but a very high risk of further blazes remains in place.

Scotland's justice secretary Neil Gray said the fire was "currently contained" thanks to "exceptional work of firefighters".

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said six appliances were still at the site with flames continuing at a "steady pace". Nearby homes remain evacuated.

The blaze began at Ryvoan Bothy, south of Nethy Bridge, at about 11:50 on Wednesday and spread across more than two miles (3.5km) of dry land in 24 hours.

Gray, whose ministerial responsibilities include the SFRS, also praised police, land managers and volunteers for "an outstanding job keeping people, property and the natural environment as safe as possible".

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said the blaze area was up to two miles wide

Gray added: "I ask everyone in the affected area to continue following advice from the authorities.

"Public safety is the priority, which is why the decision to evacuate a campsite and various properties has been taken as a precautionary measure.

"The Scottish government continues to monitor the situation closely and the SFRS has confirmed they have adequate resources committed to this incident."

The SFRS said there were no reported casualties and it was "far too early" to identify the cause of the fire.

Police have helped walkers off the hill and advised anyone still in the area to get to safety.

A very high wildfire warning for central Highlands, southern and eastern Scotland remains in place until Monday.

Members of the public have been urged to avoid Glenmore Forest Park and Loch Morlich as the firefighting operation continues.

SFRS deputy assistant chief officer Ian McMeekin said: "This remains a protracted incident, and I want to thank our firefighters for their continued commitment and determination in challenging conditions."

As it happened: Firefighters battle major Cairngorms wildfire

McKeekin urged members of the public to be responsible when enjoying the outdoors.

"We are asking everyone to follow the advice in place, stay away from the affected area and help reduce the risk of further wildfires while our crews continue their work to bring this incident to a safe conclusion."

Advice includes taking picnics instead of disposable barbeques, not leaving litter behind - especially glass - and disposing of cigarettes fully.

Police said that evacuations had been carried out as a precaution, and that the C7 road -