Police are appealing for information after hay bales were allegedly set on fire in Ross-shire.
A large number of bales were found on fire in a field near Keppoch Farm, Fodderty, after 9.16pm on Monday night.
Local farm workers provided assistance to the two fire crews from Dingwall who attended and extinguished the fire.
The blaze was under control by 11pm and the smouldering bales were moved to prevent further spread of the fire to a nearby house.
Inspector David Ogilvie said: “Had the hay bales re-ignited, this could have been a very different set of circumstances, especially as the original location of the bales was in the vicinity of a nearby house.
“Initial reports were that a number of youths were seen in the area and we are appealing to members of the public to contact us on 101 with any information which may be relevant to this inquiry.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Group Manager for Highlands and Islands, John MacDonald, said: “We would urge parents to ensure they are aware of their children’s whereabouts and that they highlight to them the potentially tragic consequences deliberate fires can result in. Fire setting is an offence – don’t accept it, report it.
“Deliberately set fires can tie up SFRS resources and have the potential to delay our attendance at other serious or life threatening incidents.”
He added: “We will continue to work with our Police Scotland colleagues to ensure each incident is fully investigated and those responsible are identified.”
There is a host of fire prevention and safety information available online now at www.firescotland.gov.uk