A major wildfire broke out on Edinburgh's iconic Arthur's Seat on Sunday, sending towering plumes of smoke across the Scottish capital and prompting a large emergency response.

Firefighters rushed to the historic landmark after flames rapidly spread across the hillside during the afternoon. Multiple fire crews were deployed to tackle the blaze, with the smoke visible from miles away and drifting over large parts of the city.

Image: Getty Images

Emergency services urged people to stay away from the area while crews worked to bring the fire under control. Access to parts of Holyrood Park was restricted as firefighters battled difficult conditions on the steep terrain.

Images shared on social media showed bright orange flames racing across the dry vegetation, highlighting the dangers posed by the prolonged spell of hot and dry weather affecting much of Scotland and the UK. Authorities have repeatedly warned that parched grassland dramatically increases the risk of wildfires during periods of extreme heat.

The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed, and investigations are expected to begin once the scene has been made safe. There have been no immediate reports of injuries or damage to nearby buildings.

Arthur's Seat, an ancient extinct volcano rising more than 250 metres above Edinburgh, is one of Scotland's most visited natural landmarks, attracting thousands of walkers and tourists every week. The dramatic blaze has shocked residents, many of whom watched the smoke billow across the city's skyline.

The incident comes as fire services across Britain continue to deal with an increase in wildfires fuelled by unusually dry conditions, with officials urging the public to avoid lighting barbecues, campfires or discarding cigarettes in rural areas.