Around 50 firefighters attended a fire at an ancient castle in Perthshire, Scotland, earlier this month. (10.03.11)

Fire causes roof collapse at 13th century castle

Blair Castle in Pitlochry, which dates back to the 13th Century, is the seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl.

The fire, which broke out around 8.30 pm, was contained in the castle’s clock tower and caused serious structural damage. The roof and second floor of the tower collapsed into the first floor, according to reports.

No one was injured.

Three appliances were still at the scene the following day dampening down hot spots.

A spokeswoman for Tayside Fire and Rescue Service said: "No artefacts had to be removed. A report from our firefighters said the roof and second floor of the clock tower had collapsed into the first floor."

The fire service later told the BBC: "The first fire crew on the scene from Pitlochry arrived just as the roof of the clock tower collapsed onto the floor below.

"The weight of the debris and the developing fire soon resulted in this floor subsequently crashing down onto the next floor level.

"By this time, firefighters wearing breathing apparatus had positioned themselves within the two residential wings that adjoin the clock tower and they were successful in containing the fire and preventing it spreading laterally to other parts of the castle."

The cause of the fire has yet to be established, although it is not thought to have been suspicious.