Man charged after Aberdeen Sheriff court fire

A man has been charged after Aberdeen Sheriff court was evacuated due to a fire.

Dozens of staff were evacuated from Aberdeen Sheriff Court after the fire alarms were activated on Friday.

One of the sheriffs was taken off the bench and all staff and members of the public were ushered outside the building.

The fire broke out in the basement area of the court shortly before 4pm.

Three fire engines were scrambled to the scene and firefighters went into the building wearing breathing apparatus.

Today/Yesterday (MON) police confirmed that a man had now been charged in connection with the incident.

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “A 31-year-old man has been charged and has been reported to the Procurator Fiscal.”

The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service has also launched an investigation.

A spokesman said: “The building was evacuated and the fire brigade attended.

“After they declared the building safe, everyone was allowed back into the building at approximately 4.20pm.”