Hilton counts the cost of Dunblane fire

Hilton is today counting the cost of a fire at its hotel in Dunblane, central Scotland, which badly damaged two floors and led to the evacuation of 600 guests and staff. The fire broke out shortly before 2.00pm yesterday at the former Dunblane Hydro. No-one was injured in the blaze.

A spokesman for Central Scotland Fire Brigade said it had affected part of the second and third floors of the 208-bedroom hotel's south wing. About 70 fire fighters and 17 fire appliances attended the blaze, which was not brought fully under control until 7.20pm.

An investigation into the cause of the fire is now under way, but it is thought to have started in a linen cupboard. Hilton said those evacuated included 106 guests, 40 staffand other guests attending a function at the hotel.

All the guests were booked out last night to other hotels in the area. About 300 guests due to check in today will also be booked out to other hotels.

Hilton said it was too early to determine the cost of the fire, which affected about 40 bedrooms. A further 22 could be closed because of "access issues", depending on fire brigade advice.

A spokesman for Central Scotland Fire Brigade said it had affected part of the second and third floors of the 208-bedroom hotel's south wing. About 70 fire fighters and 17 fire appliances attended the blaze, which was not brought fully under control until 7.20pm.

An investigation into the cause of the fire is now under way, but it is thought to have started in a linen cupboard. Hilton said those evacuated included 106 guests, 40 staffand other guests attending a function at the hotel.

All the guests were booked out last night to other hotels in the area. About 300 guests due to check in today will also be booked out to other hotels.

Hilton said it was too early to determine the cost of the fire, which affected about 40 bedrooms. A further 22 could be closed because of "access issues", depending on fire brigade advice.