Historic Popinjay Hotel in Lanarkshire to remain closed as probe into devastating blaze launched

A historic hotel will remain closed to allow an investigation into a blaze which took crews more than 15 hours to extinguish.

The 140-year-old Popinjay Hotel on Lanark Road, Rosebank, was fully evacuated after the blaze broke out at around 7.18am on August 18.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) deployed ten fire engines, one height vehicle and “specialist resources” to tackle the fire.

No injuries were reported and fire crews were at the scene till 11.07pm on Thursday, after the blaze was extinguished at 10.45pm – more than 15 hours after it started.

Fire crews worked for more than 15 hours to save the iconic hotel. Carol Bodwick

STV News understands that one fire engine was sent back to the hotel at 8.30am on Friday to re-inspect the scene.

One eyewitness, who has lived opposite the historic hotel for more than 52 years, said the fire was “so sad” to see, but that she was thankful no one was hurt as a result.

The Popinjay was built in 1882 by Lord Newlands near the supposed site of the Popinjay archery contest featured in Walter Scott’s novel Old Mortality.

The aftermath of the fire. Carol Bodwick

Hotel management has now confirmed the landmark hotel will remain closed until “the middle of next week” to allow an investigation to take place.

In a statement, the hotel said: “Thanks to the great work of SFRS, Police Scotland, Ambulance Service, building control, all staff and guests.

“All very efficient in handling the fire incident at the Popinjay this morning as we move into the damping down and investigatory part of the process.

The hotel is more than a century old, built in 1882. Wendy May NewtonGoogle Maps

“The hotel, leisure club and spa will be closed until the middle of next week. Further updates on the reopening will be posted.

“Thanks to everyone for their best wishes and support on social media, recognised and much appreciated.”

A SFRS spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 7.18am on Thursday, August 18 to reports of a building on fire at Lanark Road, Rosebank, Lanarkshire.

The blaze started at around 7.18am on Thursday. Carol Bodwick

“Operations Control mobilised ten fire appliances, one height vehicle and specialist resources to the scene and firefighters extinguished a fire affecting a commercial property.

“There were no reported casualties and crews left after ensuring the area was made safe.”