Ten firecrews are at the scene tackling the horror blaze at the popular Popinjay Hotel.
Our footage shows firefighters on ladders battling to get the blaze under control while four ambulances standby in a nearby carpark.
An incident area has also been set up across the road from the scene, where guests and staff remain.
Playwright Ginni Manning had been staying in the hotel when the fire took hold.
She told Lanarkshire Live : "I was in Room 5 and had just put the kettle on.
"I actually thought the steam had set the alarm off. I just grabbed my laptop and keys and got out. We're still waiting to see when we can get back in or if we're able to.
"I was just staying there last night before going out to Edinburgh for the Festival but I'm not sure what I'll be doing now.
"We have been in Gouldings and the staff and residents have been so nice and kind.
"I'm still going to write a lovely review on Tripadvisor."
Another woman, who did not wish to be named, added: It's just so sad. Smoke was billowing up from the back.
"Popinjay is such an iconic place here so hopefully it's not long before its open again."
Roads leading to the iconic Lanarshire building have been closed off by emergency services as the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service work to save the premises.
The fire, which started just after 7am, quickly took hold from inside with smoke and flames tearing through the roof of the 34-bed hotel and spa.
In a social media post the Popinjay reassured people that all staff and guests had been "evacuated" safely.
A Police Scotland source told Lanarkshire Live : "Around 8.05am on Thursday, August 18, 2022, police received a report of a fire at the rear of a hotel in Lanark Road.
"Police are in attendance to assist with traffic management.
"The A72 is closed from Garrion Bridge to Crossford Bridge and motorists are asked to avoid the area and seek alternative routes."
The popular Gouldings Garden Centre, which is two minutes along from the Hotel, has been forced to close its restaurant for the time being due to no water.
The Garden Centre commented online: "Our restaurant is closed at the moment as we have no water due to an ongoing incident at the Popinjay.
"We will update as soon as this changes.
"The Garden Centre remains open however no toilet facilities will be available. If travelling, we are accessible via Crossford/Braidwood only."
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