Braemar Lodge Hotel evacuated after major fire and explosion

The occupants of a hotel have escaped without injury after a major fire and explosion in Aberdeenshire.

Six fire engines were dispatched to the Braemar Lodge Hotel when emergency services were alerted just after 07:30.

Police Scotland confirmed that seven guests, two staff and the owner were evacuated from the building to safety.

A large explosion was captured on video, and flames could be seen in the hotel's upper floor and roof.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said they received an initial report of a shed being on fire at the property.

It is thought a liquefied petroleum gas cylinder may have exploded in an external building before the fire spread to the main building.

A large explosion was captured on mobile phone footage

The fire spread through the upper floor and roof of the building

Dating from 1870, the hotel building is a former Victorian shooting lodge.

The A93 Glenshee Road was closed near the hotel and local diversions were put in place.

Braemar holidaymaker, Alan Walker, heard the blast from a nearby caravan park.

He told BBC Scotland: "We heard an explosion - it was very loud - and we wondered what it was, got dressed, and there's the smoke and the flames."

Scottish Fire and Rescue had been called out to an initial report of a shed being on fire

The Victorian building from 1870 was devastated by the blaze

Aberdeenshire Council said lessons at nearby Braemar Primary School would be taking place online. The council hopes to reopen the school on Thursday.

The SFRS said in a statement: "We were alerted at 07:37 to reports of a shed on fire at Glenshee Road, Braemar.

"Operations control mobilised six fire appliances, one height vehicle and one water carrier to the scene where the fire is affecting a nearby commercial building.

"Firefighters are still at the scene and there are no reported casualties at this time."