Fire in Inverness under control after multi agency response

Issued by Police Scotland Highlands & Islands Division

Emergency services have been in attendance at a building fire in the Inverness City Centre this morning.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service were notified of a fire at the Eastgate Backpackers Hostel on the High Street in Inverness, around 05:13 hours this morning.

Fire, Police and Ambulance were all quickly in attendance and the fire was quickly brought under control. It is now in the process of being fully extinguished.

The three-storey hostel had 51 people within the property, all of whom are accounted for and are uninjured. They have been taken onwards to a reception centre which has been set up in the Spectrum Centre, at Farraline Park by the Highland Council and British Red Cross.

The High Street is currently closed from Stephen's Brae/Inglis Street to Crown Road while the fire is fully extinguished and area is secured. The public are asked to avoid this area but note that all businesses within the Eastgate Shopping Centre are open.

Area Commander for Inverness Chief Inspector Graeme Murdoch said: "Following the initial multi agency response, we now report the fire has been brought under control.

"We are happy to report that all occupants of the hostel were evacuated and there appear to be no casualties. Welfare arrangements are in place for those affected.

"Investigation of the cause of the fire will now commence and we are actively seeking to minimise disruption to the city centre.”