An Aberdeenshire family were forced to flee their home when it was “totally gutted” by a blaze at the weekend.
Three people are believed to have been in Old Bridge Cottage, near Mossat, when fire engulfed the property at about 6pm on Saturday evening.
The blaze is believed to have started in the chimney, with firefighters spending roughly six hours tackling it.
The flames are said to have killed a pet snake and another reptile, but nobody else was injured or required rescue during the incident.
But although the structure still remains with its roof intact, the interiors have been left a burnt-out mess.
Four fire appliances from Alford, Strathdon, Huntly and Insch were called to tackle the conflagration. Another incident support vehicle, from Dyce, and a welfare unit from Huntly – set up to provide assistance and catering for firefighters – were despatched to the scene.
The property is located off the A944 Aberdeen to Mossat road, between Alford and Lumsden.
The road was closed around the blaze from Alford all the way to the road’s junction with the A97 Mossat to Heugh-head road.
Last night police confirmed the fire was not suspicious and did not require an investigation.
One man who witnessed it said the building had been “totally gutted” by the blaze.
He added: “The house is totally burnt out. It is a total wreck. Apart from the roof, everything has collapsed in.
A fire and rescue spokeswoman said: “We attended at 6.08pm. There were four appliances there and an incident support vehicle and a welfare unit.
“It was all done and dusted by midnight. Originally, there were two appliances and they asked for another two. It came from a 999 call.”
A police spokesman said: “We attended just to help with a road closure. We had no further involvement.
“The building was occupied. There was no injuries and it was not suspicious. I don’t think it was major by the looks of things.”