Fire investigators have revealed that a blaze which tore through a north-east farm was an accident.
More than 30 firefighters from across Aberdeenshire were called to the incident at Blackpots Farm, near Auchnagatt, on Sunday at around 7pm.
Initial reports suggested a shed was ablaze, but when emergency crews arrived at the property they found several farm buildings had been engulfed by flames. Neighbours reported seeing smoke for miles around.
Officers said one of the structures which was burning was a building 100ft by 130ft in size.
Two engines from nearby Ellon, two from Peterhead, one from Maud, one from Fraserburgh, one from Altens in Aberdeen and one from Stonehaven were called to the scene with a welfare unit which was sent later in the evening.
Firefighters brought the blaze under control late on Sunday evening and officers returned on Monday to conduct an investigation into how the incident began.
Last night a fire spokeswoman said: “Our officers have investigated the site, and this fire has been deemed accidental.”
The owners of the farm have declined to comment about the incident.
After the fire, outgoing Central Buchan councillor Edie Chapman said the incident would have been “devastating” for the farmers affected.
The Conservative councillor added: “It could also be a huge loss for them because of the fire. My thoughts are with the farmer who has had to go through this.”
Last night SNP councillor Lenny Pirie, a fellow farmer in the area, said fires can be devastating on farms.
He said: “I believe they breed a lot of sheep – I hope there wasn’t any loss of livestock. I’m lambing myself at the moment, I’m a crofter and I understand this is a serious business.
“But the most important thing is that there were no injuries, no livestock lost. Buildings and machinery can be replaced.”