Firefighters tackle last pockets of West Lothian wildfire

Firefighters have continued to douse the remaining pockets of a wildfire that started in a wooded area of West Lothian on Saturday.

At the height of the blaze there were 50 firefighters at the site near Fauldhouse covering 40,000 sq metres, the equivalent to about five-and-a-half football pitches.

Four fire engines with 13 firefighters remained at the scene on Monday.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) warned people not to go near the area.

An extreme risk warning for wildfires is in place across mainland Scotland.

The SFRS received the first call about the Fauldhouse blaze at 11:43 on Saturday and nine appliances attended the scene just off the B7010.

Specialist appliances, including a helicopter, were sent to bring the fire under control, with the helicopter being used to drop water on the affected area.

Those living nearby were urged to keep their windows and doors closed due to the smoke.

The SFRS said dry, warm weather was increasing the chance of fires breaking out.

The service has asked people to be very careful with naked flames in the countryside.

Meanwhile, the latest Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) report shows that a lack of rain is causing water levels to fall in many rivers across the country.

Water scarcity is reported across Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders, up through the Firth of Forth and Firth of Tay to all parts of Aberdeenshire.

Sepa said rivers around the Black Isle and Thurso were also affected.

The wildfire warning is in place until Monday night.

People have been asked to think of the consequences that fires sparked by cigarettes or barbeques can have on wildlife, agriculture and rural communities.