A world-renowned bird observatory on a remote Shetland island has been destroyed in a devastating fire.

A fire crew was taken by helicopter after a blaze broke out in the roof space of the Fair Isle Bird Observatory on Sunday.

Another two crews were taken to Fair Isle, located between the Shetland mainland and Orkney, by boat to help tackle the blaze.

No-one was injured, but the building, which offered accommodation to visitors to the island, was completely destroyed.

Around 20 firefighters remained on the scene at lunchtime on Monday.

A statement on the Fair Isle Observatory & Guesthouse website said: "A major fire has tragically destroyed the Obs."

Bird book author and photographer Hugh Harrop tweeted: "Devastating news coming through from Fair Isle, #Shetland this evening.

"The fire swamped the whole observatory building which has now collapsed.

"Thankfully nobody has been hurt and praise to all the islanders and emergency services personnel for their efforts. A sad, sad day."

Roy Dennis, of the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation, tweeted: "Absolutely tragic news - our famous Fair Isle Bird Observatory has been lost to fire.

"Thank goodness no loss of life but heartfelt sympathy to David, Susannah and family and the islanders.

"We will rebuild. We have lost much and will lose a year. Close to my heart - very very sad."

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: "Around 20 firefighters continue to tackle a building fire on Fair Isle in Shetland.

"The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was alerted to reports of a fire within the roof space of the Lodge and Bird Observatory at 11:53am on Sunday, March 10.

"Operations Control mobilised crews from Fair Isle and Shetland, with the crew from Lerwick transported via the Maritime Coastguard Agency's Search and Rescue helicopter.

"Further resources were later mobilised to help tackle the fire throughout Sunday evening, with crews transported from Shetland to Fair Isle with the assistance of the RNLI.

"Crews remain in attendance on Monday, March 11. There are no casualties."

Fair Isle is the most remote inhabited island in the UK, 24 miles north-east of the Orkney mainland.