Moorland fires have broken out in the Highlands as the long dry spell of weather continues. The BBC reports on large blazes being fought by fire crews at Torridon – where properties were under threat – in Lochaber, the Trossachs, Kintail and by Dundonnell. The fires have been burning since Saturday, and hillwalkers have had to be lifted by helicopter from Liathach, where water has also been dropped from the air on the flames. There are road closures in the Trossachs where fires are burning on the north side of Loch Katrine, and the main road through Kintail was closed…

Firefighters have been tackling a large hill fire near Drumnadrochit through the night. The large grass and gorse fire was reported on Wednesday afternoon and had spread to cover a two and half mile area around Loch Gorm, north of Milton on the Glen Urquhart route from Drumnadrochit. At the peak of the fire, over twelve units were dealing with the blaze which is now (Thurs 28 April am) believed to be under good control although four crews remain at the scene. Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue said there were no reports of injuries and that the cause of…

The hunt for Scotland’s best nature pictures is on, as part of a Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) contest to celebrate Scottish Biodiversity Week. The fifth annual Nature Photography Competition is open to both amateur and professional photographers. First prize is a one-to-one tutorial with a professional photographer; second prize is a Olympus E-450 Digital SLR camera; and third prize is a Panasonic Lumix F245 Digital Camera and a Hama Star tripod. This free contest celebrates Scottish Biodiversity Week, which runs from 21 to 29 May. This year’s theme is the gifts which nature gives to us all. SNH is looking…