Major fire investigation starts

In pictures: Aberdeen fire

A full investigation is under way into the "severe" fire at an Aberdeen oil supply yard which left a plume of smoke visible across the city.

Dozens of workers had to be evacuated from around the Swire Oilfield Services base in Altens on Wednesday.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing loud bangs at the scene.

No-one was being allowed back into the yard until Thursday afternoon because acetylene cylinders were involved. There were no injuries.

A Grampian Fire and Rescue Service spokesman told BBC Scotland: "It was a severe fire.

"It's too early to indicate any cause, that will be identified through our formal investigation."

Four crews were sent to the Souterhead Road scene at lunchtime and nearby properties had to be evacuated.

Roads in the area were closed off and diversions put in place.

Many people across the city e-mailed pictures of the smoke dominating the Aberdeen skyline to the BBC Scotland news website as the drama unfolded.