A woman was left homeless and her pet cat rescued after fire destroyed a croft house on the Isle of Lewis.
Muriel Gillies, believed to be in her 70s, escaped from the property at Cromore in South Lochs on the Isle of Lewis as around 20 fire-fighters battled the blaze in "challenging" conditions. The alarm was raised just after at 6pm on Wednesday.
The blaze was already well-developed by the time fire crews arrived. Muriel was sheltered by family members and later taken to be checked over at Western Isles Hospital by a neighbour as a precaution.
Dougie Campbell, group commander with Scottish Fire and Rescue in the Western Isles said: "It is devastating for the homeowner.
"It is not just the physical loss of her home - it is also the emotional loss. She has lost everything.
"Our crews faced very challenging and difficult circumstances to bring this fire under control. There were logistical problems including over water supply.
"She had lived in the home since it was built in 1973. So it has been very difficult to see the loss of her home. It is terrible for her."
Muriel had heard a sound and saw smoke coming from a cupboard, said Mr Campbell.
"She alerted neighbours next door, who tried to put the blaze out with a fire extinguisher, but were unable to do so," he added.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, said Mr Campbell.
A neighbouring property has been temporarily evacuated as a precaution due to the potential for falling masonry.
The family have expressed their thanks to the fire service for doing everything they could to save the property.
A fund and public appeal has been set up by the Pairc Free Church and several community organisations and will run until February 3.
Announcing the support fund's launch in an online post, Pairc Free Church said: "Although we are so thankful that Muriel escaped unhurt, she has nonetheless lost her home at 22 Cromore - a home that contained all her worldly possessions as well as many precious memories.
"If you would like to contribute to this fund, you can leave a monetary donation in a sealed envelope at Ravenspoint, or alternatively, send a Bank Transfer to Pairc Free Church. To kick start the fund, we have already received a generous donation to the sum of £3,000."
They added: "It's at times like these that we are reminded of the importance of community, so let's dig deep and show our kindness to Muriel by giving generously. Thank you"
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