Medical Centre In Fort Augustus Badly Damaged In Fire
An investigation is underway to establish what caused a major fire at a medical centre in Fort Augustus.
An investigation is underway to establish what caused a major fire at a medical centre in Fort Augustus.
The Cill Chuimein Medical Centre was badly damaged in yesterday's blaze, which took fire crews around 3 hours to control.
The roof collapsed inside the two-storey building which was empty at the time of the incident.
A spokeswoman for the fire service said: “The health centre was 95% fire damaged, so pretty much destroyed, and 100% smoke and water damaged.
“We had crews from Fort Augustus, Foyers, Drumnadrochit and also the aerial platform from Inverness all attending.
“They used two hose jets and two hose reel jets, four pieces of breathing apparatus and one additional jet from the platform.”
Last night NHS Highland said the practice would remain closed until further notice and today the health board’s set up a temporary medical point at a local church.
A spokesperson said: “Following a fire at the weekend the Fort Augustus Health Centre has suffered extensive damage and is unable to open.
“Phone diverts are currently in place and members of the public are advised that should you need to speak to anyone from the practice please dial the usual number and your call will be answered by the appropriate team.
“Anyone turning up at the surgery today will be directed to the Church of Scotland Manse.
“Out of hours arrangements are operating as normal.
“Options for alternative arrangements are still being explored.”