The Kintail mountains were badly hit by fire

A conservation charity is pleading with walkers to check before venturing into areas devastated by recent wildfires.

The National Trust for Scotland said anyone planning to walk in the fire-ravaged areas in Ross-shire should take sensible precautions for their own safety and to prevent further fires.

Large blazes have hit Torridon, and Liathach in particular, and the Kintail area. Trust staff are taking stock of the damage caused and are evaluating the future of its woodland generation projects.

Pete Selman, director of properties and visitor services, said: “We will have a better idea by the end of the week as to how much damage has been done and what we will need to do to make the affected areas safe and accessible again and to begin the work of recovery.

“We would ask that anyone who intends walking in any of countryside properties in this and future dry spells to take a few simple precautions for the sake of their own safety and of others.

“Before venturing into the area check ahead via the media and the web if there are any wildfires. If you can, speak to local residents before setting off, as well as trust staff and countryside rangers. Also, please don’t light a fire or make use of disposable barbecues in moorland or woodland and avoid dropping glass objects, such as bottles or jars, whilst out on the property as these can focus the sun’s rays and start fires.

“All that we ask is that visitors take reasonable precautions and act sensibly.”