Guests and staff at a Scots hotel have been evacuated as a huge blaze tore its way through the property. Firefighters were rushed to The Popinjay Hotel in Carluke, South Lanarkshire after receiving the alarm at 7.18am today.
Specialist officers, a height vehicle and ten fire engines are currently at the scene working to tackle the inferno. There are no reported casualties at this time.
Shocking footage from the incident shows a significant blaze taking hold of the premises, with flames tearing their way through the roof of the 34-bed hotel and spa, as thick pockets of smoke spill into the sky.
Fire crews remain in attendance as they attempt to quell the inferno, while the Popinjay Hotel confirmed on social media that all guests and staff had been safely evacuated from the building.
Posting on Facebook, they wrote: "Fire incident at Popinjay Hotel this morning, we are able to let everyone know full evacuation of all staff and guests completed quickly without injury to anyone. The property is in the hands of Scottish Fire and Rescue Service for investigation. The road remains closed at present and we will update as soon as possible."
Relieved locals flooded the post with comments. One wrote: "Huge praise for the hotel staff and all the emergency services. Was a huge fire and everyone did an amazing job to get everybody out safely and contain the fire as quickly as possible."
Another added: "So sad to hear this about the hotel. Glad everyone is safe though."
Earlier, local councillor Lynsey Hamilton urged members of the public to avoid the area. The Labour representative said: "Sadly the Popinjay is on fire this morning. I can imagine how busy it will be on that road with the fire response so please avoid the area. I hope everyone is okay and it's not as bad as it looks."
She later added: "The Clydevalley Road is closed at Rosebank due to the fire at the Popinjay. The area will be exremely busy due to the current roadworks in the Horsley Brae and the closure of the Brownlee Brae."
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 7.18am on Thursday, August 18 to reports of a building on fire at Lanark Road, Rosebank, Lanarkshire. Operations Control mobilised 10 fire appliances, one height vehicle and specialist resources to a fire affecting a commercial property.
“There are no reported casualties at this time and crews are still in attendance.”
Meanwhile, the A72 has been closed from Mauldside Bridge to Crossford Bridge as police officers assist firefighters with the ongoing incident. Motorists have been urged to avoid the area.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: Officers are currently assisting the fire service following a fire at a hotel in Lanark Road. The A72 is closed from Garrion Bridge to Crossford Bridge.
"Motorists are asked to avoid the area and seek alternative routes."
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