A RECREATED Iron Age house on the shores of Loch Tay has been gutted by a fire which broke out last night.
The Scottish Crannog Centre, which is also a museum of life in ancient Scotland, was hit by a devastating fire overnight.
The Iron Age roundhouse stood on stilts on the loch shore at Kenmore in Perthshire.
Video and pictures posted online by people nearby showed the museum engulfed in flames shortly before midnight.
A spokesman for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said it was called to the scene at 11.12pm on Friday, where there was a “well developed” fire.
The fire was extinguished just after midnight and there were no reports of any casualties.
In a statement, the director of the centre Mike Benson said: “The outpouring of support from the local community and friends from further afield has been tremendous at this difficult time and the Crannog Community would like to thank everyone for their heartfelt messages.
"The loss of the Crannog is devastating but, importantly, the Museum Collection is intact and no-one has been hurt. We would also like thank the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Police Scotland for their instant response to the emergency and their faultless efforts in tackling the blaze and keeping everyone safe in the local vicinity.”
Nicholas Grant, chair of trustees, said the fire is "hugely distressing" to friends, visitors and members of the trust.
However, he went on: "We are now even more determined to double-down on all our efforts in the development of the new Crannog Centre already in planning on the north shore of the loch at Dalerb.
"Later today we will launch a Financial Appeal for all those to whom the Crannog has meant so much in the past and whom we know will wish to contribute to the renewal of this unique part of Scottish history.”
Pete Wishart, MP for Perth and North Perthshire, tweeted: “Simply awful. The internationally renowned Crannog Centre is a huge part of the whole community of Kenmore/Loch Tay.
“So sorry for all involved with the centre who will be really upset this morning. We must rebuild it.”
Last year the Scottish Crannog Centre was one of a number of community projects which shared almost £200,000 in funding as part of Scotland’s Year of Coast and Waters.
The centre was given £18,723 to help repair the walkway and decking surrounding the loch dwelling, as well as creating an outreach project for local schools.
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