A woman’s body has been recovered from an Inverness home which was seriously damaged in a fire on Friday.
Police officers were unable to get into Margaret McArthur’s home in Island Bank Road until Sunday because the structure took time to stabilise after the blaze.
No formal identification has taken place but the 71-year-old’s family have been informed.
Her husband William McArthur, believed to be a retired police officer, was admitted to hospital with smoke inhalation, along with their son, following the fire.
Detective Inspector Steven Mackenzie said there were not thought to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding the fire.
“Our thoughts remain with the victim’s family and friends at this difficult time,” he said.
“Inquiries into the fire are ongoing with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to establish the full circumstances.
“However, there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal in due course.”
Inverness Central ward councillor, Bet McAllister, said she once met Mrs McArthur tending to her garden while out canvassing.
Last night she described her as a “lovely lady”, adding: “I remember her talking about how the deer were coming down and eating her plants.
“I was thinking about her a lot over the weekend. It’s an absolute tragedy and I really feel desperately sorry for the family.”
Emergency services were called to the fire shortly before 2am on Friday morning.
The roof of the bungalow home was completely destroyed, and the blackened interiors of each room reflected the scale of the fire.
At its height, four fire service appliances were on the scene and firefighters wore breathing apparatus while using high-powered hoses to extinguish the blaze.
Neighbouring residents were evacuated by police amid fears that the flames could spread.
