A Moray electrician has been left devastated after his home was destroyed in a fire – while he was abroad celebrating his son’s wedding.
Nearly 30 firefighters were called to the bungalow in Burghead early on Saturday, but could not save it from the flames.
An investigation into the blaze will be carried out, but a fire service spokeswoman yesterday said there did not appear to be any suspicious circumstances.
Electrician Peter Fyffe owns the property, on Torridon, but it is understood he is currently in Cyprus to see his son, also Peter, get married.
It is understood his wife was in the house when the fire broke out, but managed to escape unharmed.
Yesterday, a family member confirmed Mr Fyffe was aware of the incident and was deeply upset at the news.
The alarm was raised at about 8.30am on Saturday after smoke was spotted coming out of the building.
Four fire crews from Elgin, Lossiemouth and Forres – along with a height vehicle from Inverness and a water carrier from Buckie – battled the flames for nearly two hours, but the house has been left a burnt-out shell.
It remained cordoned off yesterday, but family members were allowed to collect some belongings that had been salvaged.
One relative, who did not want to be named, said: “We really don’t know how this has happened, other than we believe it was accidental – we just have to wait for the investigation to conclude.
“The main thing is that nobody was hurt.”
Fire investigators could be seen examining the scene yesterday for clues as to why the fire had broken out.
Most of the roof has collapsed, while the solar panels on the remaining section have been misshapen by the heat and crumpled inwards.
The windows have been boarded after the flames shattered the glass.
A fire service spokesman said: “There were no injuries as a result.
“We had 26 firefighters there and two appliances from Elgin, one from Lossiemouth, one from Forres, a height vehicle from Inverness and a water carrier from Buckie.
“The stop message came back at 10.20am.”
One crew remained at the scene until later in the day, dampening down.
Neighbours in the quiet coastal cul-de-sac remained in shock yesterday and declined to comment.