Emergency services were called to tackle a fire that caused major damage to a popular pub in a Black Isle village yesterday.
Firefighters rushed to the Union Tavern bar on the High Street in Fortrose after the blaze was reported at about 9.15am.
Police closed off the village’s busy thoroughfare while fire crews from both Inverness and Fortrose attended the scene.
Residents and workers in nearby houses and shops were also temporarily evacuated while the blaze was brought under control.
Nobody was injured but the interior of the building suffered extensive damage, and it will now be closed until repairs can be carried out.
A spokeswoman for the fire service said the blaze had caused 10% fire damage and 100% smoke damage on the ground floor, while the first floor of the building was also affected.
Crews used hose reel jets and sets of special breathing apparatus, and had it under control by 10.30am.
Unconfirmed reports suggested that the fire could have been related to a wood-burning stove which had been installed at the pub very recently.
Jamie MacGregor, who owns the historic pub, said it had been a difficult day, would not be drawn on the cause, but praised the efforts of the firefighters and police.
He said: “I’m pleased that nobody was injured. That’s the one good thing, that there are no injuries or loss of life.
“There’s quite a bit of damage so the pub will be closed for a bit. I’ve spoken to my insurers and they are coming up on Monday.
“We will move ahead and get on with things.”
Traffic was diverted round by Fortrose Academy while the High Street was closed, and there was disruption to Black Isle bus services in the morning.
The building which houses the Tavern bar dates back to the 1700s.
It is one of two pubs in Fortrose, along with the Anderson, which is also on the High Street.
