Thick smoke produced by a huge wildfire in Sutherland forced police to put a convoy system in place for drivers.
A spokesman said: “Drivers are asked to continue to drive with care due to the reduced visibility. Homeowners in the area are asked to keep windows and doors closed.”
Firefighters were still tackling the blaze last night, more than five days after it first took hold.
The fire, stretching for around 1,000 acres between Melvich and Strathy, broke out at 10pm on Sunday leading to a huge response from north fire crews.
More than 6,000 acres of land has so far been destroyed in the blaze, threatening Strathy North Wind Farm and RSPB’s Forsinard Flows Reserve.
Following a valiant effort by volunteers, emergency crews and neighbouring gamekeepers at Bighouse and Strathmore Estates, the animal welfare charity said the fire encroaching their land had been contained.
A spokesman for RSPB Scotland said: “We are extremely grateful to the fire services, staff on neighbouring estates and to Skyhook Helicopters who provided invaluable expertise with managing the fire, all of whom have pulled together to work for the wider public interest.”
The Strathy North Wind Farm remained closed.
A spokeswoman from SSE said: “SSE Renewables is working closely with Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks and the emergency services as efforts to contain the wildfire continue and will only return to site when it is safe to do so.”
Firefighters from Thurso and Helmsdale remained at the scene overnight and a helicopter continued to water-bomb the two remaining sectors.
Station manager Alex McKinley said crews are “likely to remain on scene for some time yet”.
