Two guests killed as blaze devastates iconic hotel
● Guests fled rooms at Cameron House after 6:40am fire alarm ● Major investigation launched into blaze beside Loch Lomond
Thick white smoke was still billowing from the roof of Cameron House yesterday seven hours after a blaze started in the luxury five-star hotel situated on the shores of Loch Lomond. Two guests were killed in the fire. A newly-married couple and their young son were taken to hospital for treatment and later discharged. More than 200 guests were evacuated after the alarm was raised at about 6:40am.
Investigators were last night trying to determine the cause of a fire that swept through one of Scotland’s most prestigious hotels, killing two guests.
Cameron House, a five-star resort on the banks of Loch Lomond frequented by the rich and famous, was devastated by a blaze that broke out about 6:40am yesterday.
Guests were forced to flee rooms in their night clothes into the freezing temperatures outside. More than 200 people were evacuated after the alarm was raised.
Rescue services confirmed yesterday afternoon that one guest was pronounced dead at the scene while another later passed away at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley.
A newly-married couple and their young son were taken to Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital for treatment, but have been discharged.
A major joint investigation by police and fire services has been launched into the cause of the tragedy at one of the country’s leading high- end tourist attractions. David Mcgown, from Scottish Fire and Rescue, said the blaze had caused “extensive damage” to the historic building.
“Unfortunately two people have lost their life as a result of the fire,” he said. “The rescue services send their condolences to people involved in this tragic incident and our thoughts are with the families and friends of the two people who have lost their lives this morning.”
Mr Mcgown continued: “The fire has caused extensive damage to the central section of the hotel. Our crews have been working tirelessly since 7am. We had 14 fire appliances at its height and more than 70 firefighters. As you can imagine, as well as being a tragic incident, this was an extremely complicated fire to contain. We are continuing to work with partners to bring this incident to a safe conclusion.”
One guest, Ainsley Huxham, said that she was initially unaware of the seriousness of the situation.
“Assoonasweleftourroomi just thought it was a fire alarm, just like a practice go,” she said. “But when we left – five stairs down from our room – we saw a whole room full of smoke and flames.
“So we had to run back down the hall, chapped on everyone’s doors and shouted ‘fire!’.”
Ms Huxham added: “We got out within five minutes of the fire brigade getting called.
“And by the time we had got outside, the whole field was full of people.”
Thick white smoke continued to billow out from the roof of the central section of the luxury hotel seven hours on from when the fire started.
The car park was filled with emergency service vehicles, which included 14 fire appliances and high-reach vehicles.
Much of the interior of the main central section of the hotel, thought to be the oldest part of the hotel, was visibly blackened. The majority of upper floor windows had been smashed as jets of water were used to help battle the flames.
Some guests were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.
Police Scotland Chief Inspector Donald Leitch said officers were still establishing the exact cause of the fire.
He said: “At 6:50am, Police Scotland were called to Cameron House Hotel where 200 people were evacuated from the hotel, which has been partly damaged.
“We continue to work with our partners to establish the exact cause of the fire and this will go on for some considerable time.”
The names and ages of the guests who died had not been released last night.
Cameron House is owned by US investment firm KSL Capital Partners. The company reportedly paid around £70 million for the 132-room property in 2015. A £4m refurbishment of the hotel with newlydecorated rooms was completed in August.
The hotel is a popular wedding venue and houses the Michelin-starred Martin Wishart at Loch Lomond restaurant. In a statement on its website, Cameron House said it would remain closed to arriving guests for at least the next 72 hours.
Resort director Andy Roger offered “deepest condolences” to the families of the two guests who died in the fire.
“The safety and wellbeing of our guests, employees and neighbours is our first priority and our deepest condolences are with the families of those affected,” he said.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: “This is absolutely dreadful news. My heart goes out to the loved ones of those who have died and to all those affected.
“My thanks also to our brave firefighters and emergency services.”
“I just thought it was a fire alarm, just like a practice go, ... but when we left – five stairs down from our room – we saw a whole room full of smoke” AINSLEY HUXHAM Hotel guest