FIREFIGHTERS were last night called out to tackle a blaze at one of Edinburgh's most prestigious restaurants.
The award-winning Witchery at the top of the Royal Mile had to be evacuated after a fire broke out in its reception area at around 7pm.
Three fire engines attended the scene and 16 fire service personnel fought to dampen the blaze, which is believed to have been caused by faulty electrical cables.
A spokeswoman for Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue said that the reception area and various electrical cables had suffered fire damage but there were no casualties in the incident.
The restaurant, which is located next to Edinburgh Castle, has won seven awards this year alone – including a five gold star rating from VisitScotland.
It has also been awarded the AA Five Yellow Stars and has been voted Scotland’s most romantic hotel and restaurant.
The venue, which opened on Hallowe’en 1979, is owned by restaurateur James Thomson, pictured, and got its name from the hundreds of women who were burned at the stake as witches on Castlehill during the 16th and 17th centuries.
Over the years, the restaurant has built up a strong reputation for fine dining and has become a favourite of many celebrities and officials visiting the city.
Mr Thomson was unavailable for comment.
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