A cottage in Moray was devastated yesterday after a fire broke out and caused the roof of the building to cave in.
Emergency services were called to the property near Newmill, in Keith, at about 10.30am following reports of an ongoing blaze.
Four appliances were dispatched to the scene, where firefighters used one hose reel and two jets to tackle the fire.
The cottage, which sat by itself, was severely damaged by the blaze although no-one was thought to be injured.
An 18-year-old cat received medical treatment, although it is not known whether or not it is still alive.
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Firefighters remained at the scene until the area was deemed safe enough.
A Scottish Fire and Rescue spokesman said: “The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was alerted at 10.27am on yesterday to reports of a fire at a property near Newmill in Keith.
“Operations Control immediately mobilised a number of resources to the incident where firefighters extinguished the flames.
“There were no casualties.
“Crews left the area after ensuring it was made safe.”
The owners of the property could not be reached for comment last night.
The fire has made the cottage inhabitable with the roof left completely caved in.
It is not the first blaze to break out in Keith in recent months.
In November, a huge fire hit a historic business hub in the town and destroyed a linen packing warehouse there.
Owned by the Moray Council and leased to Aberdeen Laundry Services Ltd, the roof of the warehouse caved in as the fire raged at over 150C.
The property was located in Isla Banks Industrial Estate which used to play a key part in Keith’s textile industry but in recent years it has been transformed into a business park.
Keith and Cullen councillor, Theresa Coull, said: “It must be really devastating for the property owners and my thoughts are with them.
“It is awful to have your whole life and belongings lost in a blaze but thankfully there were no casualties.”
