Police are hunting a balaclava-clad man who drove a car into shops at Fairways in Inverness and then started a fire that destroyed at least four businesses.
Police said the dramatic blaze, which engulfed numerous units on the Fairway Business Park was “wilful”.
And officers have confirmed the car was “deliberately” driven into one of the units.
A man wearing dark clothing and a balaclava was seen running away from the business park towards Walter Scott Drive.
Detectives are appealing for information.
In a statement, officers said: “Around 12.05am on Sunday March 9, a Skoda Octavia car was deliberately driven into the premises at Fairways Business Park.
“The premises and car were then set alight, which caused significant damage.”
Emergency services attended, with fire crews tackling a fierce blaze, though there was little that could be done to save any of the linked business units.
Dramatic pictures and drone images revealed the scale of the devastation on Sunday morning, with the row of businesses a blackened ruin.
Owners will now be left counting the cost.
Police said inquiries are ongoing and the fire is being treated as wilful.
There are no reports of any injuries.
‘Imperative that we find the person responsible’
A Travelodge worker told our reporter Alberto Lejarraga – who was working at the scene: “I saw it on the news this morning before going to work.
“I didn’t take my car to work because I thought there’d be loads of police cars and fire engines there.
“It’s shocking.”
Councillor Duncan Macpherson, who represents Inverness South, said: “The emergency response to this major incident occurred around midnight on Saturday evening into the early hours of Sunday.
“Thanks go out to the brave firefighters and to all the fire crews assembled to assist in extinguishing the fire.”
He added that while the fire caused destroyed a number of businesses, the impact could have been even worse had it not been for 999 crews.
“It was thanks to the sterling efforts of the firefighters that the fire was contained within the one building and stopped from spreading to neighbouring buildings,” Mr Macpherson said.
Fire crews prevented even great damage
“Only a few metres distance separates the building from Fairways Restaurant, Inverness Kart Raceway and the Inverness and District Indoor Bowling Club.
“A coordinated response from all the emergency services of police, fire and ambulance is to be applauded and thankfully no one was harmed.”
He added: “My thoughts now turn to the businesses and the owners and staff involved in the running of each of these local businesses, as they begin to rebuild and deal with insurance company loss adjusters.
“Meanwhile they will look to relocate to alternative premises, in order to ensure continuity for their dedicated staff and loyal customers.”
Fellow Inverness South councillor Ken Gowans wrote on X: “Thankfully, no one was injured in this horrific fire.
“We all owe a great deal of thanks to our blue light services who responded quickly and professionally as ever, so that our communities were kept safe at great risk to themselves.”
‘Buildings and belongings can be replaced—people cannot’
SJ Travel Centre, who have a shop at Fairways, posted on social media to say: “We are truly heartbroken by what has happened.
“At the end of the day, however, the most important thing is that no one was hurt.
“Buildings and belongings can be replaced—people cannot.”
The post continued: “While our physical space is temporarily closed, we want to reassure you that we are still very much operational.
“All our systems are cloud-based, and we will be fully up and running remotely from tomorrow.
“You can continue to reach us by phone at 01463 240467 or via email at enquiries@sjtravelcentre.com.”
‘Think back, did you see anything suspicious?’
Police officers were searching the area around the business for much of Sunday, and had a large taped cordon around the area.
Officers said they are looking to speak to anyone with any information.
They are particularly keen to trace the occupants of a white pick-up truck, which was seen in the area around the time of the incident.
Detective Inspector Christopher Macleod said: “This was a reckless act and it is imperative that we find the person responsible.
“Extensive inquiries are ongoing.
“We are appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time, or who has dashcam or other footage, to contact police.
“I’d also ask anyone in the area to contact us if they saw either of these vehicles in the area at the time of the incident.
“Think back, did you see anything suspicious?”
Here’s what we know so far:
- Police are hunting a man in a balaclava who made off from the area. He was heading towards Walter Scott Drive.
- Four businesses have been destroyed: The Harry Gow Bakery, SJ Travel Centre, fishmongers Scottish Premium Seafood and hairdresser HFM.
- The entrance to the Kart Raceway has also been damaged.
- Firefighters were sent to Fairways Business Park, off the Southern Distributor Road, at 11.50pm on Saturday, March 8.
- Scottish Fire and Rescue Service sent six appliances to the scene. They battled the blaze for more than three hours.
- Police have been on scene since midnight (Saturday into Sunday) and are conducting searches in the area.
- Officers confirmed there are no reported injuries.
- People are being asked to “avoid the area if possible”.
Anyone with information that could help the police is asked to call 101 or contact the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
Our reporters are working to bring you the latest updates on this developing story.
Please check back later for more and follow The Press and Journal on Facebook and online for breaking news.
Conversation