Estate fishing lodge blaze is 'unexplained'

THE factor of a Sutherland estate has spoken of the sadness felt by all concerned, after fire ripped through a century-old fishing lodge at the weekend.

The two-storey fishing lodge at Loch Choire Estate, near Kinbrace, was extensively damaged in the fierce blaze which broke out on Friday evening.

Police and fire investigators have launched a probe into the fire which has been described as "unexplained."

The building was unoccupied at the time and the fire service confirmed there were no injuries.

Loch Choire Estate factor, chartered surveyor Tom Chetwynd, told the Northern Times that everyone connected with the estate had been affected.

He said: "The loss of Loch Choire fishing lodge is devastating to all concerned. Fortunately there was no loss of life or injury and matters are now being investigated by the police and fire service."

A spokesman for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said the fire, which was reported around 8.15pm, was already well developed by the time the first fire crews arrived.

Four appliances, with 20 firefighters, were dispatched from stations in Helmsdale, Thurso, Golspie and Dunbeath. Accessing the lodge proved difficult because of its remote location, 11 miles from the nearest road. Firefighters pumped water from the loch to fight the fire with several main water jets. The crews battled the blaze overnight before it was finally put out on the Saturday morning.

But it was too late to save much of the building. Approximately 50 per cent of the roof has collapsed."

The L-shaped fishing lodge, measuring approximately 30m by 40m, was built in stages between 1880 and the 1930s. Winston Churchill is said to have stayed there on one occasion.

Mr Chetwynd said: "It was a typical Highland estate lodge and was used annually by fishing and stalking tenants from the beginning of May to the end of September."

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