A community has rallied to pay tribute to dedicated firefighters who worked to protect them during last summer’s devastating wildfires.

The crews were handed charity cheques amounting to £5000 by Sutherland Estates on behalf of the people of Golspie, a highland village in Sutherland.

And the funds will be given to The Fire Fighters Charity and The Family Support Trust – which assists firefighters and their families when they reach out for help.

More than 50 firefighters, seven fire engines and a number of specialist resources were called in to attend the wildfires at Ben Bhraggie, near Golspie.

Crews were first called to the scene at 12.04am on Saturday, July 7 and attended over a five week period.

The cheques were presented at Dunrobin Castle on Wednesday, November 14 by Shona MacBeath, on behalf of the Sutherland Estates.

Jason Gardiner is the Station Manager for Dornoch, East and North Sutherland.

He said: “I would like to thank the Sutherland Estate on what has been a very generous gesture and also the community of Golspie for their support during a very challenging incident in the summer.

“Hopefully this generous donation will go a long way in supporting firefighters and their families.”

Present in the photographs are (from left to right)

James Urqhuart (Watch Manager, Golspie), William Sutherland, Ronald MacKay, (both firefighters Golspie) William MacBeath (Crew Manager, Golspie) Jason Gardiner, Jackie Mackenzie, Shona MacBeath (Sutherland Estate), Allen Davidson (firefighter, Golspie) Ricky Dibble, (Group Manager, Highland North) Ross Baddon (firefighter, Golspie).