The former Clachnaharry care home in Inverness has been devastated by a major fire.
Firefighters, police and emergency services rushed to the A862 Clachnaharry Road in the early morning.
A total of six fire appliances were in attendance, while four crews remain at the scene this afternoon.
Some homes in the area were without power until 1pm due to the incident.
The main damage to the building appears to be at the back of the property, in a modern extension of the unused site.
Footage and pictures taken from the back of the building around 1pm show the devastated state of the former care home.
The A862 Clachnaharry Road was closed between the Clachnaharry Inn and the junction with Scorguie Road after 12 hours.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were alerted at 4.14am on Friday, 19 April to reports of a fire at a derelict building on Clachnaharry Road, Inverness.
“Operations control mobilised six appliances to the scene.
“Firefighters remain in attendance and are working to make the area safe.”
Community shocked by major fire
Sue Fraser, who lives in one of the houses behind the care home, spoke to the Press & Journal about the incident.
She said. “At 5.30am, I saw the blue police lights.
“I was a little bit concerned because I know teens have been breaking into the building.”
A woman walking her dogs in the area told The P&J: “I used to live in the area that’s the former care home it’s very sad.
“It has been empty for years.”
A man who was on the street said: “I was awakened this morning by some banging noises.
“I thought, that’s too early for roadworks. It was still dark and I started seeing a lot of smoke.
“The windows of the building had been covered so no one could come in but one of them had been removed and kids were going in and out the last few weeks.”
Another man said: “I woke up this morning and I saw all the police and fire vehicles.
“I was very surprised.
A woman cycling by said: ” I live nearby and I have just seen this and I’m shocked.
“It’s very bad. Thank goodness that it’s been raining for the past few days because of the trees the fire would have expanded.”
Local claims that home has been used as a ‘party venue’
One man who lives around the corner said: “This was an accident waiting to happen.
“During the school holidays kids have been going in and around the building.
“It’s been a party venue. It’s a very sad day.”
Another couple who live near the former care home described the scene as a “mess”.
The owners of the building declined to comment on the fire.
We have asked the police to provide a statement.
A road closure was in place on the A862 Clachnaharry Road at the Clachnaharry Inn. Motorists were asked to avoid the area.
One lane was reopened by 5.30pm with temporary traffic lights to be in place overnight.
Our reporters are working to bring you the latest updates on this developing story.
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