Firefighters tackled a raging blaze at Fairways Leisure Park in Inverness after a deliberate arson attack caused major destruction to several local businesses.
The fire broke out around midnight on Sunday, March 9, after a Skoda Octavia was deliberately driven into the premises and set alight.
Eight fire appliances rushed to the scene as Scottish Fire and Rescue Service crews battled to contain the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to neighbouring buildings, including the Indoor Bowling Stadium and Inverness Kart Raceway.
Emergency services, including police, ambulance crews, and SSE Electricity, worked together in the shared car park of Fairways Golf Centre to manage the situation and secure the area.
Images of the fire circulated online from around midnight, showing flames and smoke billowing into the night sky as firefighters fought to bring the blaze under control.
By 1:45 am, the fire was largely subdued, though crews continued damping down the area for over an hour, with water bowsers brought in to supplement the supply.
The emergency response was finally stepped down at around 3:00 am after the heroic efforts of firefighters, including retained crews from surrounding stations, successfully contained the fire to the one building.
Despite the devastating damage to multiple businesses, the swift and professional response ensured no injuries were reported.
Detectives have launched an investigation, treating the fire as a deliberate act of arson.
A man wearing dark clothing and a balaclava was seen running from the scene towards Walter Scott Drive shortly after the fire started.
Police are also keen to trace the occupants of a white pickup truck seen in the area at the time of the incident.
Detective Inspector Christopher Macleod described the attack as reckless and urged anyone with information or footage to come forward.
He appealed for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage from the area around the time of the incident to contact police on 101, quoting reference 0032 of March 9.
Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Local councillor Ken Gowans praised the rapid response of emergency crews and expressed relief that no one was harmed.
He thanked firefighters and all emergency responders for their efforts in containing the fire and protecting the wider community.
The local community has been left in shock, with many expressing support for the affected businesses and their staff as they deal with the aftermath of this devastating event.
Investigations remain ongoing as authorities work to identify and apprehend those responsible.
