FIREFIGHTERS have tackled a blaze at a stately home near the grounds of one of Scotland's leading tourist attractions.

Crews from nine towns across the central belt fought the fire yesterday at the property which overlooks Blair Drummond Safari Park in Stirlingshire. The occupants of the building escaped unhurt.

Officers from Doune and Stirling, who arrived after a 999 call, were confronted by a rapidly developing fire affecting the roof space of the two-storey detached house shortly before midday.

Reinforcements were swiftly called for from nearby Bridge of Allan, Larbert, Callander, Dunblane and Falkirk.

A Scottish Fire Service Command Support appliance from Boness and an Ladder Platform arrived from Dunfermline due to the seriousness of the fire before it was eventually put out.

Group Manager Martin Brandrick said: "Initially crews fought to bring the fire under control from inside and outside the house. They managed to contain the fire to the roof and top floor.

"Work to bring the blaze under control continued for over two hours and at the height of operations there were six firefighters wearing breathing apparatus and three hose-reel jets used."

The fire service has launched an investigation into the cause.