A fire has ripped through a hotel in Aberdeenshire amid reports of an 'explosion'.
The Braemar Lodge Hotel, in Braemar, Ballater went up in flames on Wednesday morning.
Fire crews sent six appliances to the scene while other emergency services are also in attendance.
Police sealed off the area and helped hotel guests who were evacuated.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) confirmed that they were called to reports of a 'shed on fire'.
The blaze spread to a 'nearby commercial building'.
Shocking images shared with the Daily Record show huge flames towering over the hotel.
Fire crews are spotted guarding the scene while a large police cordon has been placed down.
One of the buildings pictured appears to be completely destroyed with fire officers still tackling the blaze.
The blaze can be seen from neighbouring streets and residential areas.
Massive plumes of smoke billow out of the roof of what is claimed to be the restaurant area.
Worried locals are seen watching on as the blaze rips through the site.
The cause of the fire is unknown at this time although locals took to social media claiming they 'heard an explosion'.
One speculated that the 'Bunkhouse' is on fire which is the an on-site self-catering accommodation for up to 12 people.
Another local claimed that the Bunkhouse was 'just done up recently for staff'.
Meanwhile another alleged that the fire had spread to the hotel's restaurant.
West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine MP Andrew Bowie expressed his shock at the news.
He wrote: "Shocked to hear of an explosion at Braemar Lodge this morning.
"Massive thanks to @fire_scot and @Scotambservice who are on scene and thoughts with everyone affected."
As of 10.30am, three hours on, fire crews were still at the scene and had no casualties to report.
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 7.37am on Wednesday, March 16 to reports of a shed on fire at Glenshee Road, Braemar, Ballater.
“Operations Control mobilised six fire appliances, one height vehicle and one water carrier to the scene where the fire is affecting a nearby commercial building.
“Firefighters are currently still at the scene and there are no reported casualties at this time.”
Police told the Record that, as of 11am, officers were still in at the scene.
Cops have closed the A93 Glenshee Road Braemar with local diversions in place.
A spokesman told the Record: “Emergency services are in attendance following a fire at a hotel on Glenshee Road in Braemar which was reported around 7.50am on Wednesday, March 16.
“The occupants of the hotel have been evacuated and no-one has been injured.
“The A93 Glenshee Road is closed at Braemar and local diversions are in place.”
The Scottish Ambulance Service have been contacted for comment.
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