A massive fire has broken out at a recycling centre in Dumfries.
Nine fire engines were called to Solway Recycling at Shawhead in Dumfries and Galloway just after 4pm when a two-storey building went up in flames.
Firemen were battling to stop the spread of the flames but people near the scene said it was verging close to the house of the family who own the business.
Plumes of black smoke can be seen for miles billowing above the farm.
Police asked members of the public to avoid the area as any additional traffic had the potential to interfere with the efforts of the emergency services.
Solway Recycling was set up by farmer Roy Hiddleston more than 20 years ago.
He designed the bin and liner system so farmer’s could recycle their waste with minimal fuss and disruption to the farm.
The business was ahead of its time when it was set up and is currently one of the longest established waste farm plastic recyclers in the world.
Mr Hiddleston operates the business with wife Sharon from their premises at Rigghead farm and employ around 20 members of staff.
Onlookers at the blaze said the fire allegedly started in a workshop and was spreading towards the house.
One man said: “The lorries were saved and so were the animals but apart from that, it looks like the whole place is going.
“The smoke was unbelievable.”
Another added: “There’s a real fear about the fire spreading to neighbouring properties.
“The whole recycling plant is away. It’s so sad.”
A spokeswoman for Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were alerted at 4.02pm on Sunday to reports of a building fire at a recycling centre in Shawhead, Dumfries and Galloway.
“We have nine fire appliances at the scene and crews are currently tackling the blaze involving a two-storey building.”
