INVESTIGATIONS are under way into the cause of a fire at a restaurant and shop owned by former Harrods owner Mohammed al Fayed.
The Falls of Shin Visitor Centre, near Lairg in Sutherland, had to be evacuated and the main part of the building has been destroyed.
The alarm was raised at about 10.15am yesterday and fire crews were sent to the scene to bring the blaze under control. According to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, the strong variable winds and the construction of the building caused the fire to spread quickly, and crews were unable to enter the building due to impending danger of the roof which collapsed during the fire.
Firefighters also worked to stop the fire spreading to the woodlands and out- buildings.
Incident Commander, Group Manager Ian Smith said: "Staff at the visitor centre did an excellent job in safely evacuating the building and calling us. Fire- fighters worked very hard under arduous conditions and are to be commended for preventing the fire spreading to the neighbouring woodlands and outbuildings."
He said a joint investigation will be carried with Police Scotland to determine the cause of the fire.
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