Firefighters dampen down hotspots after battling blaze at Edinburgh landmark Arthur's Seat
A large gorse fire that spread across Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh has been brought under control by firefighters working through the night.
Emergency crews were alerted to the blaze in Holyrood Park on Sunday afternoon.
In an update on Monday morning, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said two appliances remained at the scene and were helping crews to dampen down hotspots.
There have been no reported casualties.
Smoke could be seen billowing into the sky from the hill, an extinct volcano, just a short distance from Edinburgh's historic Old Town to the southeast of the city centre.
Climbing Arthur's Seat to enjoy views of the city is a popular activity for tourists and locals alike. Reports suggested people could be seen running to safety as the fire spread.
The cause of the blaze is unclear.
A SFRS spokesperson said the alarm was raised at about 4.05pm on 10 August.
They added: "Operations control mobilised four fire appliances and specialist resources to a fire affecting a large area of gorse.
"Two fire appliances currently remain at the scene where crews are continuing to dampen down hotspots.
"There are no reported casualties at this time.
"Members of the public are advised to stay away from the area."
Dr Rory Hadden, a senior lecturer in fire investigation at the University of Edinburgh, said wildfires in and around Arthur's Seat "occur relatively often".
He believes the recent warm and windy weather will have helped to dry out more of the terrain's dead vegetation, making it easy to ignite and for the fire to spread rapidly.
Dr Hadden said: "The location is popular with visitors and locals alike and with it being a nice day yesterday it was very busy.
"We know that most fires in Scotland are started by the actions of people - malicious or otherwise.
"The large number of people visiting and the very dry conditions are therefore a good mix for a wildfire to start and to spread.
"But it is too early to identify the specific cause of the fire in this instance."
Edinburgh is especially busy this month thanks to the return of annual festivals, including the Fringe.
This weekend has also seen Oasis fans descend on the Scottish capital as Liam and Noel Gallagher's band performed two nights at Murrayfield Stadium. The band will return to Murrayfield's stage for a third show on Tuesday.
-SKY NEWS
