A fire at the popular Scottish Crannog Centre in Perthshire has been described as a "devastating blow for the community".
The structure went up in flames on Friday night.
Locals watched in horror as the blaze ripped through the facility on the banks of Loch Tay near Kenmore.
It does not appear anyone was hurt in the incident.
Mike Benson, managing director for the Scottish Crannog Centre museum told the PA: "This is hard to speak about. It has gone just like that.
"But this is not the end of the crannog story, this is part of the story."
He indicated a fundraising page was being set up to allow the public to contribute to a rebuild.
Hundreds of people who had enjoyed the Crannog took to Facebook to speak of their sadness.
On social media previous visitors from across the UK gave reaction: “Very sad news, we loved visiting the Crannog Centre with family and the grandchildren loved it. Our hearts go out to all the staff and hope no one was hurt and hopefully they might be able to rebuild in the future.”
Another person posted: “This is heart-breaking. We visited here at the start of May and it was wonderful to see. All the staff and volunteers were so passionate about it all and made our visit amazing.”
Perthshire North MSP John Swinney said he would do what he could to help the centre.
He said: "This is a devastating blow for the local community and all those who worked so hard to make the Crannog Centre one of Scotland’s premier visitor attractions.
“I have worked closely with the management team over a number of years, and have seen first-hand their commitment and passion for improving and promoting the centre.
“It is vital that all involved with the Crannog Centre are offered proper support during this difficult time. I had a routine meeting arranged for Monday with the Crannog and I offer all assistance I can at this difficult time.”
Highland Ward councillor Xander McDade said: Xander McDade said on Saturday morning: "Very sad to hear about the devastating fire at the Crannog Centre last night.
"As an important museum of life in Iron Age Scotland and major visitor attraction in Highland Perthshire this news has impacts in both a national and local context..
"I will be doing everything I can to support the team and ensure the council does everything it can to support the rebuilding of this important centre."
Described as a "living museum", the Crannog offers a unique insight into Iron Age life.
It only reopened in April after the COVID-19 pandemic forced its closure.
Plans had also been unveiled for a £12 million project that would see the centre moved to a new site near Dalerb.
News of the fire has left many in the community shattered.
Post conveying sympathy were made by other local visitor attractions including Loch Tay Marina, The Birks Cinema, Atholl Estates and Blair Castle, Kenmore Bakery and Highland Safaris - which through sister company Loch Tay Safaris, had a link-up where its passenger boat Iolaire took visitors to view the crannog from the water.
