Wildfire breaks out on Isle of Bute amid 'extreme' alert

A wildfire has broken out on the Isle of Bute amid an ongoing “extreme” alert across Scotland.

Police Scotland said it was made aware of a wildfire at the Rhubodach Loop, just off the A886 at around 11.40am on Saturday.

The force urged members of the public to avoid the area and to stay away from the footpaths until future notice.

It comes after emergency services were called to reports of a grass fire off the A844 on Bute on Tuesday.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has been battling multiple wildfires across the country as an “extreme risk” alert remains in place.

Deputy assistant chief officer Kenny Barbour, head of Prevention, Protection and Preparedness at SFRS, said: “Wildfires have the potential to burn for days, as we’ve seen this week in Dumfries and Galloway, and they spread through vast areas of land in our countryside, which is devastating for those who live nearby.

“Our firefighters will continue to work with local landowners and other partners to bring these fires under control.

“As the warm and dry weather continues, so too does the risk of wildfire, and so we are asking the public to exercise extreme caution and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame.

“Responsible human behaviour can significantly lower the chance of a wildfire starting, so it is crucial that people act safely in rural environments and always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.”

A spokesperson for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said: “We did attend earlier, we are happy there is no threat to life or property.

“There was no action required from ourselves… the crews are on the Isle of Bute.”

A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “Around 11.40am on Saturday, April 12, 2025, we were made aware of a wildfire in the northern area of the Isle of Bute at the Rhubodach Loop, just off the A886.

“The incident is ongoing and the area is closed.

“Members of the public are advised to avoid the area and stay away from the footpaths until further notice.”