The future of a Mearns town’s only nightclub has been left hanging in the balance following a major fire.
Locals in neighbouring Trouper’s bar were reportedly sent flying off their seats when an explosion rocked the Zee’s venue in Stonehaven’s Barclay Street.
One half of the street had to be as flames engulfed the premises, which were closed at the time.
Two fire crews from Stonehaven were called to the scene along with units from Inverbervie, Laurencekirk and North Anderson Drive in Aberdeen, as well as a height vehicle from the city’s Central station.
They took about an hour to bring the blaze under control.
Zee’s is believed to have been extensively damaged.
The fire and rescue service said it was still “unsure” what had caused the blaze, however locals said an electrical fault in a fridge may have started it.
The street was cordoned off yesterday as a joint police and fire and rescue investigation got underway.
Manager of Trouper’s Bar, Bruce Thomson, said the pub – which was open at the time was not damaged in the fire.
He was not working on the night.
Mr Thomson added: “I came down and the street was being evacuated.
“From what I gather no one has been hurt although apparently people sitting at the wall between Zee’s and the pub felt like they’d been kicked in the back.
“There was quite a bit of smoke and fire. I hear it could be a while until it (Zee’s) is open again.
“The pub seems to be ok. Zee’s is the only place after 1am in Stonehaven on a Friday and a Saturday, it is open until 3am.”
One woman who lives near Zee’s said: “It was late before I realised anything was going on.
“At the back of 1am I was hearing what I thought was bus engines running.
“I came through and the place was well lit up. As long as nobody is hurt then that is fine.
“There had been a bang or something at the back of 11pm.”
Another resident said: “It is not nice to see. It was hard to see the young, local firemen going in. I am just happy no one was inside.”
A fire and rescue spokesman said: “A fire investigation team is on scene, it is a joint investigation with the police. It was quite a large fire.”
The blaze was reported around 11.15pm on Sunday.
