A Thurso man is facing a series of charges including wilful fire-raising after a fire in the town on Tuesday.
Douglas Peter Wilkie made no plea or declaration when he appeared on petition, in private at Wick Sheriff Court.
The 29-year-old was remanded in custody pending further inquiry. In addition to the fire-raising allegation, he is accused of culpable and reckless conduct, threatening or abusive behaviour and possession of a knife.
Wilkie’s appearance follows a fire in a flat in Bayview Terrace, Thurso, in the early hours of Tuesday.
Flames and smoke were seen coming from the property at around 5am.
A man in the building escaped onto the roof of the building and had to be rescued by firefighters.
Three high-powered jets were trained on the flames by firefighters wearing breathing equipment, to contain the outbreak which left the top-floor flat destroyed, with a gaping hole in the roof.
Meanwhile, the downstairs flat also sustained smoke damage, as well as water damage caused by the hoses, while officers remained at the scene for almost seven hours, monitoring the property.
He was taken to Caithness General Hospital, where he was treated for superficial injuries.
Other occupants of the complex were evacuated from the building and one man living in a ground floor was rehoused.
Firefighters said that having a smoke alarm may have prevented a more serious incident.
Anyone with information about the incident should contact police on 101.
