TWO people were killed and three injured after a serious fire which has devastated the luxury Cameron House hotel on the west shores of Loch Lomond.
At the height of the blaze the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service deployed more than 40 firefighters and 12 appliances to the hotel north of Balloch after the alarm was raised at 6.41am yesterday.
One of the two guests who died passed away at the scene. The other was rushed to Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley but later died there.
The three injured people were two adults and their child who were taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Glasgow but were released after treatment for smoke inhalation.
More than 200 guests were evacuated from the hotel which has been extensively damaged. Flames destroyed the roof of the older part of the building and smoke could be seen billowing across Loch Lomond from Dumbarton Rock five miles away.
According to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, firefighters worked in difficult conditions while wearing breathing apparatus and used high powered hoses to tackle the flames.
David McGown, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Assistant Chief Officer and incident commander, said: “Our deepest condolences are with everyone who has been affected by this morning’s tragic events.
“This is deeply distressing news for everyone involved, and our thoughts are with the friends and families of the two individuals who have passed away.
“Our firefighters worked quickly and professionally in extremely difficult circumstances to bring this fire under control and prevent further fire spread – their response has been outstanding and they must be commended for their actions.
“The fire has now been brought under control, however, we will remain on scene for some time and our priority now is ensuring that the area is made safe.”
Andy Roger, resort director at Cameron House Hotel, said: “At approximately 6:40am emergency services were alerted and guests were evacuated to the nearby Boat House Restaurant while Scottish Fire and Rescue, Scottish Ambulance Service and Police Scotland arrived on scene.
“Tragically, the authorities have confirmed two fatalities from the fire.
“In addition, three individuals were transported to the local hospital, but have since been discharged.
“The safety and well-being of our guests, employees and neighbours is our first priority, and our deepest condolences are with the families of those affected.
“We are working closely with the authorities to determine the cause of the fire, and to provide support to our guests and the families of those affected.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon reacted on Twitter to the fire, saying: “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.”
The hotel, whose five-star core facility also has a large leisure club and loch moorings, has played host to many celebrities in the past and was a regular haunt of the Scotland football team.
Built for the Smollet family, the neo-baronial Cameron House had suffered fire damage before, in 1865. It was refurbished and later played host to Cameron Bear Park and two Loch Lomond Rock festivals before it was sold in 1986 and converted into a luxury hotel.
It was sold two years ago to US venture capitalists KSL for a reported £70 million and is an important employer for Vale of Leven and Loch Lomondside.
The hotel has long been a popular wedding venue and houses the Michelin-starred Martin Wishart at Loch Lomond restaurant. It only recently underwent a £4m refurbishment.
In a statement on its website, Cameron House said it will remain closed to arriving guests for at least the next 72 hours.
The hotel’s website said last night: “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.”
Local MP Martin Docherty described the blaze as “dreadful news”, while the area’s MSP Jackie Baillie said it was “devastating”.
Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson MSP thanked emergency services and hospital staff and said: “This is a terrible tragedy and my thoughts go out to the families who have lost loved ones and to all those affected.
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