Olly FultonA building fire, which destroyed a number of businesses and closed part of Kilmarnock’s high street, is being treated as deliberate.
Emergency services were called to reports of a well-developed fire at a four-storey building on Sandbed Street around 9pm on Monday.
Six fire engines and two specialist units battled the blaze at its height with crews working through the night to bring incident under control.
Police are now treating the fire as wilful, and an investigation has been launched.
STV NewsThe building, which was home to Hard Luck Tattoo Studio, has suffered an internal collapse and is expected to be demolished.
King Street to the junction with St Marnock Street, and Sandbed Lane have been closed.
Police Scotland has confirmed a number of businesses will remain shut.
The force is appealing to anyone who was in the area around the time of the fire or those with private CCTV to come forward.
Local area commander chief inspector Scott McCurdy said: “This was a large fire and I would like to thank our emergency service colleagues for their help throughout the night.
“We understand the impact this fire has had on local businesses, and I want to thank the public for their patience and assistance while we carry out our enquiries.
“We are treating the fire as deliberate, and our investigation is ongoing.
Forever Young“I am appealing to anyone who was in the area around the time of the fire and who saw anything suspicious to contact us.
“I would also ask anyone who was in the area and who may have dash cam or private CCTV which could assist us to get in touch.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 3692 of July 14, 2025.
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