Sex attack accused hits out

Firefighters battled to prevent a fire spreading to hundreds of tonnes of woodchip in one of the largest timber yards in Europe yesterday.

Two fire units from Fort William were called to the blaze at the BSW Timber sawmill in Corpach at 1.20am.

Group manager Pat McElhinney, who attended the incident, said: “On arrival, crewsweremetwitha large 15 tonne machine on fire close to hundreds of tonnes of wood chip.”

He added that just three weeks before the fire he and watch manager Chris Findlay carried out a site inspection at BSW and were well aware of the risks, hazards and location of water supplies on the site.

Mr McElhinney said: “Having secured a water supply, crews were deployed in breathing apparatus to attack the fire.

“In addition to water, firefighters predominantly used foam in a sustained attack on the fire, which prevented further fire spread and knocked the flames back. Both crews from Fort William did an excellent job and their quick efforts ensured this incident did not escalate.”

He added that the use of foam made a “massive difference” because there had been diesel in the fire.

He said: “This quickly killed the chance of fire spread and limited the fire in the machinery until it was extinguished.

“It was excellent that crews weremet at the front gate by BSW staff, who led our crews to the scene at this large site.

“All things considered, this was a massive save for our crews and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service asBSW is one of the largest timber yards in Europe.”

Firefighters used two sets of breathing apparatus, amainjetandtwo hose reel jets to tackle the fire, which was under control just after 3am.

No one was hurt and no properties were threatened by the blaze.

AspokeswomanforBSW Timber said: “We can confirm that a small fire took place in a hired machine at ourFort William sawmill in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

“The fire brigade was called and the fire immediately extinguished.

“A full inspection was carried out and production was not affected.” Ahotelierontrial for sexual assault said his accusers were jealous that he had a hotel.

Raymond Hyams, 58, owner of the four- star Queen’s Hotel on Corran Esplanade, Oban, is accused atObanSheriffCourt of sexually assaulting two former members of staff.

He denies touching one woman’s hair, body and bottom and pressing his body against that of another woman, touching her thighs, hips and waist and slapping her bottom.

In cross- examination yesterday, fiscal Eoin McGinty asked why they would make this up.

Hyams said: “Revenge, resentment, anger. Jealously, wanting to destroy me and wanting to destroy my wife and our business. Jealous of the fact that we actually own the hotel.”

Hyams previously told the court the women didn’t appreciate being reprimanded.

The incidents are alleged to have taken place between 2010 and 2012.

The trial continues.

Crews used foam as well as water to fight the blaze