WATCH: Unusual visitor storms Loch Morlich beach
Forestry bosses have said it was just by good luck that a dust devil at Loch Morlich did not start a blazing in the special surrounding woodlands.
Crowds enjoying the hot weather at Loch Morlich had their sun-worshipping interrupted by the unusual arrival.
On Saturday, the mini whirlwind started up on the beach and passed over two lit barbecues
Fires and barbecues with coals are not currently permitted at Loch Morlich or anywhere in the Glenmore Forest Park following recent problems with camp fires.
Laura McNally, the Forestry and Land Scotland Visitor Services Manager for Glenmore, said: “Dust devils are rare but give an excellent illustration of why fires and barbecues are not permitted at Loch Morlich or anywhere in the Glenmore Forest Park.
“A phenomenon like this – or even a particularly strong gust of wind coming over the loch – could very easily lift burning embers and deposit them in the canopy.
"The dust devil could even have lifted an entire barbecue and spread burning embers across a wide area.
“In the prevailing conditions, that could have resulted in a catastrophic fire and it was a simple matter of luck that we avoided that situation.
“We urge everyone to be responsible and follow the rules. If you need to cook, please use a gas camping stove. It's the only way to ensure that everyone stays safe and that this amazing forest is not harmed.”
A dust devil is a relatively short-lived whirlwind, ranging from small – half a metre wide and a few metres tall – to more than 10 metres wide and more than 1000 metres tall.
They are usually harmless but can on rare occasions grow large enough to pose a threat to both people and property.
Dust devils form when a pocket of hot air near the surface rises quickly through cooler air above it, forming an updraft.
