Campers flee as flames sweep across hills

A YOUTH hostel and campsite in the Highlands were evacuated as helicopters were deployed in efforts to stop the spread of dozens of heath fires.

Fire crews were forced to take to the air in the Highlands and central Scotland yesterday as firefighters battled to contain wildfires that spread with high winds and dry weather over the bank holiday weekend.

There were fears the blazes could continue into this week with high temperatures expected again today.

Liathach mountain, which is popular with hillwalkers, saw flames spread yesterday after fires started on Saturday night.

Torridon Hostel, which sits at the bottom of Liathach, and an adjoining campsite were evacuated as a precaution as the blaze spread. Residents returned yesterday afternoon.

Outbreaks of large flames could be seen along the mountainside, where firefighters said they were hindered by steep slopes.

A helicopter was used to waterbomb the worst-hit areas, with support from six fire engines.

Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue service said it had been called to 24 wildfires over the weekend, many of which were in the Lochaber area. Firefighters were still trying to contain a smaller fire in Dundonald last night.

Further south, in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, 40 firefighters continued to tackle a spreading blaze after a large area of scrub and gorse caught fire yesterday morning.

A fire engine and ambulance stood guard at a cottage half a mile from the flames last night after what a spokesman for Central Scotland Fire and Rescue service described as an "unprecedented" weekend.

The fire, which was reported by two fishermen, grew to engulf a two-mile area because of high winds and a "poor water supply". A helicopter was aiding the effort last night after being brought in from Ayrshire, and a number of roads in the area were closed.

On Saturday a country mansion near Doune, Perthshire, was destroyed by fire. The blaze broke out on the roof of Argaty House, which dates from the 17th century, and destroyed 90 per cent of the building despite 50 firefighters' efforts to save it.

A fire service spokeswoman said resources had been "stretched" over a busy bank holiday weekend.

The warm, dry conditions show no signs of abating. The Met Office said highs of 19C in the north of Scotland would be matched today, as would dry conditions and heavy winds.

A Met Office spokesman said yesterday: "As with the rest of the country, it has been dry and sunny and it will be the same again tomorrow.

"These areas will also see a strong easterly breeze, which will be strongest in high areas. It will be slightly lighter in the glens and other low areas." Fire chiefs have asked landowners in the Highlands to consider forming local fire protection groups to help deal with any further incidents.

Meanwhile, a leisure centre in Irvine was left badly damaged after a fire on Saturday night. The blaze, which broke out at about 10pm at the two-storey complex, was eventually brought under control after firefighters removed part of the roof to stop it spreading.