A raging fire in the house that was the seat of a renowned family has claimed the life of the 93 year old widow of a former Lord Lieutenant.
The death of wheelchair-bound Lady Jean Gilmour in a fire that engulfed Invernauld House at Rosehall near Lairg in Sutherland, has shocked the sparsely populated community. Her carer is understood to have tried to rescue Lady Jean, but eventually had to make her own escape. She is being treated in hospital.
Originally from Nairn, Lady Jane was married to Colonel Sir Allan Gilmour of Invernauld, a much decorated soldier, including the Military Cross with Bar. He died in 2003 aged 86 having also served as a local councillor for the area.
The alarm was raised at around 9.30pm on Saturday and 19 crew and four appliances were involved in the operation at the two and a half storey house.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the property to try to prevent further fire spread to the adjoining rooms and floors however they were withdrawn when possible asbestos slates were found in the central roof area and water supplies were interrupted.
David Alston, the deputy leader of the Highland Council who spent part of his childhood at Rosehall where his father was minister, said: "Lady Jane was a great character as was her late husband Allan. I met her a year or so ago and she was as bright and on the ball as ever, despite her years."
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