Plumes of smoke and flames could be seen spreading rapidly across the hill from the city’s Holyrood Park on Sunday afternoon.

The fire, which can be seen for miles, appeared to originate at Crow Hill.

(Image: PA) (Image: NQ) (Image: NQ) Police have urged people to stay away from the area, while members of the public could be seen stopping to take pictures.

(Image: PA) Emergency services have rushed to the scene, with three fire appliances and specialist services in attendance, while witnesses report police evacuating the public from the park.

BREAKING: A grass fire is raging across Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh pic.twitter.com/N3g2aBhtkz

According to witnesses at the scene, local residents are assisting emergency services with evacuations.

Meanwhile, supporters at the Hibernian v Kilmarnock game have been told to avoid the Willowbrae, Duddingston and Holyrood areas when leaving the Easter Road stadium.

A spokesperson for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “We have three appliances and specialist services in attendance.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Emergency services are responding to a fire at Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh. Motorists and pedestrians are advised to avoid the area.”

Where is Arthur’s Seat?

Arthur’s Seat is one of the most well-known landmarks in Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland.

It is situated to the east of the city centre in the Holyrood area, near the Scottish Parliament.

Arthur’s Seat is an ancient extinct volcano. Climbing it has become a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike.

It stands at 251m tall.