Countryside rangers at East Renfrewshire beauty spot Whitelee Windfarm are urging visitors to act responsibly after The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) issued a wildfire warning.

From today until Friday, April 21, there is an extreme risk of wildfires in central and southern Scotland.

A mixture of strong winds, rising temperatures and low humidity levels has seen the risk of wildfire increase considerably.

The spring conditions combined with large areas of dead grass and vegetation means a heightened risk of ignition.

Many wildfires are started deliberately or are due to careless, reckless or irresponsible behaviour and that risk peaks during early spring.

People who live, work or are visiting rural areas, in particular are being urged to exercise the utmost caution to avoid fires breaking out.

Indeed, rangers at Whitelee are telling those visiting the area to take precautions to avoid starting a fire, including fully extinguishing cigarettes and disposing of them responsibly, as well as putting litter in a bin.

Visitors are also urged to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and to never start a fire during prolonged dry periods, including BBQs.

The warning follows the SFRS’s recent launch of its new prevention campaign called ‘Care for your Countryside’.

John Harvey, SFRS Station Commander, said: “The threat of wildfire is very real, and we would therefore ask our communities to act safely and responsibly while in the countryside.

"Wildfire can devastate large areas of our environment and wildlife and has the potential to spread to nearby communities.

"We are asking people to act responsibly when enjoying the outdoors, dispose of cigarettes carefully and please think twice before using anything involving a naked flame."

Anyone who spots a wildfire should call 999 and ask for the fire service.

Further information on how to reduce the risk of wildfire can be found at firescotland.gov.uk/your-safety/outdoors/wildfires/.

To view the Outdoor Access Code visit outdooraccess-scotland.scot.