Fifty firefighters tackling West Lothian wild blaze

Fire crews are continuing to battle a wild blaze in a wooded area in West Lothian.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said up to 50 firefighters are still attending the scene, almost 24 hours after they were called to the site near Fauldhouse.

The fire was said to cover 40,000 sq metres, the equivalent to about five-and-a-half football pitches.

An extreme risk warning for wildfires is currently in place across mainland Scotland.

The service received the first call at 11:43 on Saturday and nine appliances attended the scene.

Specialist appliances, including a helicopter, were sent to bring the fire under control, with the helicopter being used to drop water on the affected area.

Those living nearby were urged to keep their windows and doors closed due to the smoke.

Earlier the SFRS said dry, warm weather was increasing the chance of fires breaking out.

The service has asked people to be very careful with naked flames in the countryside.

Meanwhile, the latest Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) report shows that a lack of rain is causing water levels to fall in many rivers across the country.

Water scarcity is reported across Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders, up through the Firth of Forth and Firth of Tay to all parts of Aberdeenshire.

Sepa said rivers around the Black Isle and Thurso were also affected.

The wildfire warning runs until Monday.

People are being asked to think of the consequences that fires sparked by cigarettes or barbeques can have on wildlife, agriculture and rural communities.