A man has reportedly been killed in a serious house fire in the Highlands.
Emergency services were called to the property in the Scarfskerry area between Thurso and John O’Groats at around 8pm last night.
Considerable damage was caused to the rural residential home as a result of the blaze.
Police said there does not appear to be any suspicious circumstances but an investigation is now being carried out to establish the full circumstances.
They have also said that it “is now believed the occupant of the house was within the property at the time of the fire and has died”.
Inspector Nick Clasper said: “We have been conducting extensive inquiries at the property where the fire occurred, which has been considerably damaged as a result.
“Additionally we have been making inquiries in the local community as well as with next of kin further afield to try to establish whether the occupant of the property was elsewhere at the time of the fire.
“Unfortunately, as a result of our extensive inquiries today, it would appear that the occupant was within the property at the time of the fire.
“Due to the extensive structural damage and uncertainty of the building, gaining access to the property will take some considerable time. Structural engineers will advise when it will be safe to enter the property.
“Inquiries into the cause of the fire are continuing with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to establish the full circumstances, however at this stage there does not appear to be any suspicious circumstances.
“Our thoughts at this difficult time are with the family and friends of those involved.”
A spokesman for the fire service said: “The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was alerted at 7.48pm on Wednesday, December 28 to reports of a fire within a residential property in the Scarfskerry area of Caithness.
“A total of three appliances were mobilised to the scene.
“The crews engaged in external firefighting and extinguished the fire, which has caused significant damage.
“A joint investigation between the SFRS and Police Scotland is presently underway.
“There is no further information at this time.”
