FIREFIGHTERS are continuing to battle a grass fire in the Kilpatrick hills more than 12 hours after they were called out.

Two engines were initially called to the area after 9.31pm on Monday night. This morning, a spokeswoman for Scottish Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they were still on site using beaters to extinguish the fire.

The smoke was visible for miles with crews attending to help get the blaze under control in extremely dry conditions.

One Reporter reader, Jill Ferguson, said of the fire: "People must take extra caution to extinguish their cigarettes and BBQs. And avoid lighting bonfires in such arid ground, and hot weather conditions."

The cause of the Kilpatrick fire was not reported to the Reporter and the fire service has not confirmed how many grass fires they have attended in the area over recent weeks.