A Moray golf course cafe was destroyed by a ferocious blaze last night.
More than 30 firefighters battled to douse flames which engulfed the Tee Shack at Covesea Links on the outskirts of Lossiemouth.
It took crews more than two hours to bring the blaze under control – but by then the building had been reduced to a skeleton.
The fire broke out just before 8.30pm.
The nine-hole links-style course is at the end of a private approach road, just off the B9040 between Lossiemouth and Hopeman.
Firefighters using high-pressure jets and wearing breathing apparatus were supported by a water carrier from Buckie.
Crews remained at the scene overnight to monitor the remains of the smouldering building, which was opened in 2012.
They also damped-down the surrounding area to prevent the fire re-igniting.
Independent councillor Eric McGillivray, who represents Heldon and Laich on Moray Council, said last night he was relieved there had been no casualties.
He said: “I am glad there has been nobody injured, but the fire has resulted in the loss of a really good tourist facility, which was popular with visitors to the area.
“And although there are no casualties as such, my heart goes out to the owners of the cafe for losing their business – especially at this time of the year.”
There have been previous incidents at the course, including the theft of tools and machinery in January last year.
A spokesman the fire brigade said: “We were called out at 8.28pm.
“Four appliances were deployed – two from Elgin, one from Lossiemouth and one from Forres, along with a water carrier from Buckie.
“An incident support van and a support pump were sent from Peterhead to assist more than 30 firefighters, who had used jets and breathing apparatus.”
The cause of the blaze was still being investigated last night.