Fires in high-rise flats lowest for eight years

The number of fires in high-rise flats in Scotland has fallen to its lowest level in eight years, according to new figures.

In total, 238 incidents were reported in 2016/17 in buildings at least 10 storeys high, down more than half (52%) on 2009/10 when there were 499 fires.

It was also a drop on 2015/16 when there were 314 incidents, Scottish Fire and Rescue figures showed.

Casualty rates have also decreased in buildings of more than 10 storeys, with 45 recorded in 2016/17, almost 30% down on the previous year.

The statistics were released as investigations continue into the Grenfell Tower tragedy in London.