Two dead after fire at Cameron House Hotel
The alarm was raised at 6.41 this morning.
Last updated 18th Dec 2017
Two people have died after a fire broke out at a five-star hotel on the banks of Loch Lomond
Dozens of firefighters were called to the Cameron House resort at around 6.40am on Monday.
Two adults and a child, believed to be from one family, were taken to hospital in Glasgow for treatment.
A fourth person was taken to the RAH in Paisley.
More than 200 guests were evacuated from the building which has been extensively damaged.
A police spokeswoman said: “Police Scotland can now confirm two people have died following a fire at the Cameron House Hotel earlier today, Monday 18 December 2017.
“Around 0650 hours, police were called to a report of a fire at the hotel. More than 200 guests were evacuated from the building which has been extensively damaged.
“Officers remain at the scene and are working with other emergency services to establish the exact circumstances of the incident.
“One person was pronounced dead at the scene. Four people were taken to hospital, one to the RAH who later died. A further three people were taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital for treatment.
“A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.''
Other guests were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.
The hotel is a popular wedding venue and houses the Michelin starred Martin Wishart at Loch Lomond restaurant.
On its website, Cameron House said the fire was within the main building.
A message read: ''We would ask all guests and customers to remain patient as we work with the emergency services to establish the extent of the damage and ascertain when we will be able to re-open.''
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: “This is absolutely dreadful news. My heart goes out to the loved ones of those who have died, and to all those affected.
“My thanks also to our brave firefighters and emergency services.'
12 appliances are currently involved in fighting the fire and 50 fire fighters are on scene.
Pictures on social media showed guests and staff standing outside the hotel while emergency services took control of the area.
Reporters are not being allowed near to the scene.
A spokeswoman for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: "The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was alerted at 6.41am on Monday December 18 to reports of a fire that had taken hold within Cameron House Hotel, Balloch.
"Operations Control has mobilised a total of 12 appliances to the scene.
"Firefighters are currently in the process of searching the building while fighting the fire using powerful water jets.
"The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service remains in attendance."
The hotel will be closed for at least the next two days.
A message on the Cameron House website said: "Due to an ongoing incident please be aware that Cameron House will remain closed to arriving guests for at least the next 48 hours.
"We would ask all guests and customers to remain patient as we work with the emergency services to establish the extent of the damage and ascertain when we will be able to re-open."