The head of a well-known Highland family has died in a massive fire at her home in Sutherland – despite a heroic rescue attempt.
Lady Jean Gilmour, 93, was unable to escape the blaze which engulfed Invernauld House, near Rosehall, on Saturday night.
Her 62-year-old carer, who has not yet been named, survived and is being treated at Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, for burns to her face and hands.
It is understood she made a “brave” but unsuccessful bid to save Lady Jean.
Firefighters from across the Highlands were involved in fighting the “intense” fire over a period of more than 12 hours.
A shortage of water hampered efforts throughout the night.
At the height of the blaze, 28 personnel were at the remote scene.
Crews remained at Rosehall throughout yesterday to damp down the remains of the building.
It is understood that the roof collapsed and the two-and-a-half storey house was completely destroyed.
Firefighters have been unable to enter the building since the blaze was put out because the structure is unsafe.
Last night police and the fire service said that a joint inquiry would be launched into the cause.
However it is understood that a power surge is one of the factors under investigation.
Neighbours in the Rosehall area voiced their shock at the death of Lady Jean, who was a popular figure in the local community.
She is the widow of Colonel Sir Allan Gilmour, who served with the Seaforth Highlanders and won the Military Cross for his heroism in the Battle of Alamein.
He was a Highland regional councillor from 1972 to 1991 and went on to be Lord Lieutenant of Sutherland.
Dave Goulder, who lives near the Gilmour family home, said: “There have been a number of carers from an agency looking after Lady Jean.
“I do not know who the carer was that was with her, but we have heard she made brave attempts to rescue her.
“She must have a heart the size of a tractor and we all wish her a speedy recovery. Lady Jean may have been in a wheelchair but she was still very much with it.
“It is like a light going out in this area.
“It is such a tragedy that she should be claimed this way after living such a long and full life.
“Everyone in the village is stunned.”
A local woman, who did not wish to be named, said: “She was an amazing woman. It is so very sad.
“There is still smoke rising from the house but I have been told it was burnt to the ground.”
The couple had three sons and a daughter.
However only one son, Colin, and their daughter Susan survive the couple.
Patrick Gilmour died in 2007, while it is understood that David Gilmour died more recently.
The couple had been married for 62 years when Sir Allan died in 2003.
Lady Jean ran the Rosehall Craft Shop and is a former director of the Sutherland Tourist Board.
A police spokesman said: “A 62-year-old woman suffered injuries to her face and hands as a result of the fire and was treated at the scene by the Scottish Ambulance Service.
“The fire has been extinguished and Police Scotland continues to work closely with Scottish Fire and Rescue at the scene to investigate the full circumstances of the incident.”
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