An investigation has been launched following a major fire in Inverness which closed the city centre.

The huge blaze ravaged the roof of the M&Co building in Academy Street. No one was injured and the cause of the fire is still not known.

Nine fire crews tackled the fire after they were called around 10.00pm last night (15 April), and worked through the whole night to ensure the blaze did not spread to neighbouring shops and bars.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service manager Dave Leishman, said: "The fire was well-developed when we arrived. We have successfully managed to contain it to the immediate property and stopped it spreading to the surrounding premises.

"Fire crews did an excellent job and operated in very arduous conditions to gain control of the incident.

"We worked closely in partnership with Police Scotland, Scottish Ambulance Service, Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) and Scottish Water, who all provided crucial assistance at the incident ground.

"I would also like to thank the staff at Wetherspoons public house and the Pentahotel for very kindly providing refreshments for the crews during the incident."

The fire service's investigation team will be working with Police Scotland to establish the cause of the fire.