Crews tackle fire at luxury hotel

About 50 firefighters fought the blaze

Two people have been taken to hospital after a major fire broke out at at a four-star hotel in Renfrewshire.

Strathclyde Fire Brigade said the Gleddoch House Hotel at Langbank had been "well alight".

Eight fire engines were at the scene as crews battled to control the blaze, which is thought to have started in a kitchen area.

Two hotel chefs received medical treatment after inhaling smoke. None of the guests was seriously injured.

Emergency crews were called to the traditionally-built two-storey hotel at about 1830 GMT.

The fire is believed to have started in what was the old Gleddoch House, a Victorian mansion which is used as a kitchen and guest lounge.

The focus of the firefighting was at a link from that part of the complex to the main hotel block.

Roof alight

A turntable, almost 50ft in the air, fired jets of water into the roof of the hotel where the fire seemed to be worst.

Most of the water had to be pumped from the swimming pool because the water pressure was low.

Alec Gordon, of Strathclyde Fire Brigade, said: "When the crews first arrived they were presented with a well developed fire, which had at that stage broken through the roof.

It is an inferno, a fearsome sight with all the flames and sparks bursting into the sky Eye witness

"Early indications in from witness statements, it is believed the fire started within the region of the kitchen area, but that has still to be confirmed as the fire investigation team carry out their investigations.

"All the guests were evacuated by the hotel management prior to the fire brigade arriving and all guests were accounted for."

A small crowd of people, thought to be guests, gathered about 500 yards away to watch as the drama unfolded.

One onlooker said: "It is an inferno, a fearsome sight with all the flames and sparks bursting into the sky.

"This is very sad as it was a marvellous old building which will now be completely destroyed."

The hotel is a popular venue for conferences and has an 18 hole golf course on the estate.