Police in Scotland have said that two people have died after a blaze at five-star hotel Cameron House, on the banks of Loch Lomond.
Over 45 firefighters attended the hotel in the early hours of Monday (18 December) and three other people were reportedly taken to hospital in Glasgow for treatment.
Early reports said the hotel had suffered extensive damage and that more than 200 guests were evacuated.
A police spokesman said on Monday afternoon: “Officers remain at the scene and are working with other emergency services to establish the exact circumstances of the incident.”
On its website, Cameron House said the fire was within the main building.
A message read: “We would ask all guests and customers to remain patient as we work with the emergency services to establish the extent of the damage and ascertain when we will be able to re-open.”
An 18th century Baronial mansion, Cameron House was converted into a luxury hotel and resort in 1986. The venue is a popular location for weddings, a championship standard golf course and five-star facilities for guests. Cameron House is owned by US investment firm KSL Capital Partners, which was reported to have paid over £70m for the 132-room property in 2015.
Chef Martin Wishart has a Michelin-starred restaurant at the hotel.
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon took to Twitter to describe the fire as “dreadful news”.
A VisitScotland spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are with all the staff and guests affected by this morning’s tragic fire at Cameron House. Our deepest condolences go to the family and friends of the people who have lost their lives. We will be liaising with the business throughout this extremely difficult time to offer any support or help they may need.”
Cameron House managers confirmed that the hotel would be closed for 48 hours and asked customers to be patient while they investigated the damage.