Fire at Sonachan

Reports are coming in of a major house fire last night at Bealach Ruadh, the house beside the Sonachan Hotel seen in the foreground of this picture.  Fortunately, the house was empty after being used for the New Year holiday - the Ferguson family live in the hotel itself.

Kilchoan fire brigade were called at 8.30pm and attempted to control the flames, which had already destroyed much of the structure.  They were joined by teams from Acharacle and Strontian, but nothing could be done to save the building.  The last Kilchoan team left the scene at 5.30am.

The building is reported to be completely destroyed, but a fire team from Kilchoan is due to return at 9.30.  Meanwhile, officers from Northern Constabulary are carrying out a routine investigation.