Images show devastation from Arran wildfire as more than 15,000 trees destroyed

NEW images have shown the devastation caused by a wildfire in Arran which is estimated to have destroyed more than 15,000 trees.

Emergency services were first called to the grass fire at Glen Rosa at around 12.42pm on Thursday.

Three fire engines were sent to the scene of the blaze which was affecting an area of grass measuring approximately 600m by 600m.

(Image: NTS) Scottish Fire and Rescue Service confirmed one appliance remained at the scene and a helicopter deployed water over the affected area on Saturday, extinguishing the fire.

While the full extent of the damage caused by the wildfire is still being assessed, the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) estimated that more than 15,000 trees have been lost in Glen Rosa.

There were no reported casualties, although the NTS Arran Ranger Service confirmed a number of animals had been killed.

A surviving male adder spotted by a member of the Arran Ranger Service (Image: NTS) Yet a beauty spot popular with visitors - a Rowan tree known as the "Guardian of the Glen" - survived, along with some young endangered whitebeam trees.

The Ranger Service shared the images on Facebook, writing: "Small miracles amongst the devastation".

More than 15,000 trees have been lost (Image: NTS) "Yesterday I went out to assess the impact of the fire in Glen Rosa.  A fairly depressing site with thousands of burnt young trees, dead reptiles and frogs and all our yellow meadow anthills seem completely destroyed.

"However, there are some miracles out there......the Rowan tree who we consider the 'Guardian of the Glen' is completely untouched, in part due to Jo and John beating out the fire around it.

A scorched anthill (Image: NTS) The 'Guardian of the Glen'  (Image: NTS) "I found two adders still very much alive, and some of our family planting area has escaped the flames as well as one or two Arran whitebeams.

"Once again thank you to all those who have helped, offered help and given words of support."

Arran Ranger Service has launched an appeal for donations to buy trees which will be planted in Glen Rosa.

The service is also organising a mass tree planting day on April 26, between 10am and 4pm. Click here for more information.