Fire destroys third of historic Scottish hotel

An historic hotel in Ballater, Scotland, has been extensively damaged in a huge fire.

Up to 60 firefighters battled the blaze at the 127-year-old Darroch Learg Hotel on Friday.

According to the Aberdeen Press and Journal, the fire broke out on the second floor of the B-listed building and spread to the roof.

The flames were under control by Saturday morning, but around a third of the building was badly damaged.

As well as a video on YouTube, images of the scene have been uploaded to Twitter.

Ballater hotel fire: Over 50 firefighters tackle huge blaze at 130-year-old Darroch Learg http://t.co/BXIAfP68bc pic.twitter.com/L9OpNaZ8y6
- The Daily Record (@Daily_Record) February 20, 2015

Picture shows extent of fire at Darroch Learg Hotel in #Ballater http://t.co/f6f2OaqSAO pic.twitter.com/lRNLYszmfs
- The Press & Journal (@pressjournal) February 20, 2015

Owners Nigel and Fiona Franks have thanked well-wishers for all their messages of support, and have vowed to restore the building to its former glory and reopen as soon as possible.

Speaking to news.stv.tv, they said: "Darroch Learg had a serious fire on Friday afternoon. Thankfully there were no injuries to guests, staff or workmen but the damage to the first and second floors of the main building was extensive.

"We have been overwhelmed by the kind messages and offers of help and support we have received from so many people who know us and Darroch Learg. We are in the process of contacting all our guests who have bookings with us.

"The fire was devastating but we have every intention of restoring Darroch Learg to its former glory and re opening for business as soon as we can. The hard work starts now."