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Last of 200 Highland wildfires extinguished Last of 200 Highland wildfires extinguished
(35 minutes later)
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has said the last of the wildfires in the Highlands and Islands has been extinguished.The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has said the last of the wildfires in the Highlands and Islands has been extinguished.
More than 200 outbreaks have been reported in the region over a period of 10 days.More than 200 outbreaks have been reported in the region over a period of 10 days.
The last major fire, at Achmore near Plockton, was put out on Thursday evening.The last major fire, at Achmore near Plockton, was put out on Thursday evening.
The number of fires being tackled was said to have placed severe strain on the fire service.The number of fires being tackled was said to have placed severe strain on the fire service.
In much of the Highland region, it relies heavily on part-time retained crews.In much of the Highland region, it relies heavily on part-time retained crews.
The fires led to warning from wildlife experts that dozens of golden eagle eggs and other rare bird nests may have been destroyed. The fires led to a warning from wildlife experts that dozens of golden eagle eggs and other rare bird nests may have been destroyed.
RSPB Scotland said it was seriously concerned about the impact on the species, which nests in open moorland. Robert Scott, assistant chief officer for Scottish Fire and Rescue Service's north area, said: "The last week has seen an exceptional period of activity with almost 240 wildfire incidents in the Highlands and Islands area.
There have been almost 200 wildfires in the Highlands over the past week, with fire crews still battling a large blaze in Wester Ross. "I would like to thank the retained, community response and wholetime staff for their dedication and commitment, as they have worked around the clock to ensure these incidents were brought under control and finally extinguished."
He added: "Whilst there are no wildfire incidents in the Highlands and Islands at present, the land and weather conditions still pose a high risk of fire and I would urge visitors and local communities that when venturing into the countryside to be aware of outdoor fire safety.
"Members of the public should take care not to use camp fires, barbeques, (and not) carelessly discard cigarettes, glass bottles etc which can result in significant wildfires."
RSPB Scotland said it was seriously concerned about the impact on the golden eagle, which nests in open moorland.
There are also concerns for thousands of migrant birds that are due to nest in the area in the next few weeks.There are also concerns for thousands of migrant birds that are due to nest in the area in the next few weeks.
There are thought to be about 400 golden eagles in Scotland, mainly in the Highlands. 'Devastating impact'
There are thought to be about 400 pairs of golden eagles in Scotland, mainly in the Highlands.
James Reynolds, of the RSPB, said the loss of nests could have a devastating impact on the population.James Reynolds, of the RSPB, said the loss of nests could have a devastating impact on the population.
"It is absolutely certain that we will have lost a number of golden eagle nests," he said. "How many we don't know, but for a population that small, even the loss of one nest is serious."It is absolutely certain that we will have lost a number of golden eagle nests," he said. "How many we don't know, but for a population that small, even the loss of one nest is serious.
"The loss of double figures will potentially have a huge impact."The loss of double figures will potentially have a huge impact.
"Numbers are already very low, this will just hold them back further.""Numbers are already very low, this will just hold them back further."
The RSPB has sent experts to the Highlands to try to assess the extent of the damage.The RSPB has sent experts to the Highlands to try to assess the extent of the damage.
Mr Reynolds added that white-tailed eagle eggs may also be at risk, as well as those of migrant birds such as short-eared owls, dotterel, golden plover and wheatears, which are due to nest from mid April.Mr Reynolds added that white-tailed eagle eggs may also be at risk, as well as those of migrant birds such as short-eared owls, dotterel, golden plover and wheatears, which are due to nest from mid April.