Three people released from hospital after two die in fire at luxury hotel

18 December 2017, 18:33

Three people taken to hospital following a hotel fire, in which two others died, have been discharged after treatment.

More than 70 firefighters were involved in tackling the blaze at the five-star Cameron House hotel on the banks of Loch Lomond after the alarm was raised at around 6.40am on Monday.

Police Scotland said one person died at the scene while another passed away at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley.

Three other people, two adults and a child believed to be from one family, were taken to hospital in Glasgow for treatment but have now been discharged.

Officers said the hotel has been "extensively damaged".

More than 200 guests were evacuated while emergency services took control of the area.

Firefighters searched the building and tackled flames in the roof of the hotel from an aerial unit.

Police and fire officers are now investigating the cause of the fire.

A police spokeswoman said: "Police Scotland can now confirm two people have died following a fire at the Cameron House Hotel earlier today, Monday 18 December 2017.

"Around 0650 hours, police were called to a report of a fire at the hotel. More than 200 guests were evacuated from the building which has been extensively damaged.

"Officers remain at the scene and are working with other emergency services to establish the exact circumstances of the incident.

"One person was pronounced dead at the scene. Four people were taken to hospital, one to the RAH who later died. A further three people were taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital for treatment.

"A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal."

Other guests were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.

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 will remain closed to arriving guests for at least the next 72 hours.

''We would ask all guests and customers to remain patient as we work with the emergency services to establish the extent of the damage and ascertain when we will be able to re-open.''

An earlier tweet from the hotel said the fire was within the main building.

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."

Nearby hotels have offered help and support for those affected by the fire.

Local MP Martin Docherty described the blaze as "dreadful news", while Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie said: "Devastating news about the fire at Cameron House. So terrible to hear of casualties at this time of year.

"Thanks to the emergency services who have been working all morning to get the fire under control."

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson MSP said: "This is a terrible tragedy and my thoughts go out to the families who have lost loved ones and to all those affected.

"Once again we owe our thanks to the emergency services who attended the scene and to the hospital staff who treated casualties."