Rangers at a famed Scots beauty spot have issued a warning after a wildfire devastated grasslands in the area. The blaze, near Glen Etive, part of Glencoe nature reserve, on Thursday, April 27, is believed to have been sparked by a disposable barbecue.
Footage taken by a passing cyclist has shown smoke billowing from the grasslands, a popular wild camping spot, and englufing the nearby road. The wildfire was eventually extinguished by staff from a local estate.
The National Trust for Scotland team in Glencoe have spoken out about the dangers of blazes in the region, which is the second in the area in recent weeks. Huge swathes of grasslands can be seen blackened by the blaze, while a disposable barbecue grate was found among the charred remains, leading rangers to believe this was the cause of the wildfire.
In post on social media, the NTS Glencoe said: "On Thursday we encountered the remains of a substantial wildfire at a roadside camping hotspot in Glen Etive. A disposable BBQ grate was found in the charred earth. This is the second wildfire here in recent weeks.
"Springtime always brings high fire risk in the Highlands as the hillsides are still covered in last year's dry, dead grasses and bracken growth. This acts as highly-combustible tinder, EVEN AFTER periods of wet weather We would like to thank estate staff from a neighbouring estate for putting this one out."
The rangers have reported a spate of incidents in recent weeks, with the iconic Coire Gabhail, nicknamed the 'Hidden Valley', being vandalised by those camping in the area. The NTS Glencoe team continued: "On a visit to retrieve an abandoned tent, we sadly found the remains of branches chopped down for a campfire.
"Coire Gabhail is home to a precious pocket of temperate 'rainforest', rich in biodiversity and internationally renowned for rare lichens. Cutting living trees in a National Nature Reserve is lazy. It's vandalism. It is also pointless because 'green' wood is full of moisture and won't burn well."
"If you LOVE Glencoe and Glen Etive, please: Do not light any naked flames here right now. It is reckless and irresponsible. Bring an extra jumper or a hot flask if you're worried about feeling chilly! Stick to your garden or book into a campsite with dedicated fire pits if you want to make a BBQ or campfire."
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here .
