A JOINT POLICE and fire service probe is under way into what caused the fire that completely destroyed a landmark derelict building in Lossiemouth on Thursday.
The scene of the blaze on Prospect Terrace was sealed off yesterday after Fire and Rescue Service personnel had remained on site overnight to ensure that there was no fresh outbreak.
‘Brae Lossie’ was gutted by flames just weeks after the building, which had lain empty for over 20 years, received widespread publicity as an example of the unused and neglected properties in Moray that the local council wished to assume control of.
Dozens of people had expressed an interest in purchasing and renovating the building, which enjoys fantastic views over Lossiemouth’s east beach. Now the fire is being investigated with insideMoray understanding that the blaze started in an upper floor.
Structural engineering and building control staff from Moray Council visited the site on Friday and details of their findings are still awaited, although it looks likely that what is left of the building will need to be destroyed. In the meantime police were treating the area as a crime scene.
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said that there remained concerns over the stability of the building with people being asked to keep well clear of the site. He said: “The fire investigation unit will now begin work to establish the cause of the blaze.”