Structural experts have carried out an inspection of a Fife chip shop left devastated by fire.
A blaze took hold at the family-run Pittenweem Fish Bar on High Street on Tuesday evening.
The building has since been fenced off with part of the roof caved in and the front of the property left badly scorched.
It is thought the fire started at the rear of the building before sweeping through the chip shop, which was open at the time.
Staff escaped the building with one person treated for smoke inhalation, but their condition is not thought to be serious.
Although the owners have not spoken about the incident, a post on the Pittenweem Fish Bar Facebook page said: “There is simply no words to describe how devastated we are as our family business was destroyed by fire last night.
“Thankfully all our staff made it out safely and we would like to thank the emergency services, Pittenweem Surgery, and the local community for their assistance.”
Locals lay flowers in support of chip shop’s owners
Police were still at the scene on Wednesday with debris scattered across the pavement and road.
The street remains open to traffic, but there are fears that vibrations from passing vehicles could cause the further collapse of parts of the building.
A steady stream of locals have visited the site and a bunch of pink roses was placed on the window ledge in a show of support for the business’s owners.
One resident of nearby Kirkgate, who asked not to be identified, described the damage as “truly shocking”.
She said: “It’s heartbreaking for the owners.
“It’s been a chip shop for decades and regarded by many as the best in the area.
“I first saw the large clouds of smoke coming from the building and moments later the fire brigade arrived.
“Soon after the flames were clearly visible above the rooftops.
“It continued right through the evening.
“Seeing the extent of the damage is truly shocking.”
Tilly Barnton from Leeds, a regular visitor to Pittenweem, visited the takeaway just two nights before the blaze.
She said: “I’ve been coming on holiday here for several years and always visit the chip shop while I’m here.
‘People watched open-mouthed as flames poured out’
“I just happened to be on High Street as the incident unfolded and couldn’t believe the ferocity of the fire.
“At its height, people just watched open-mouthed as the flames came pouring out of the windows and doorway.
“It’s heartbreaking to see such devastation.
“It’s hard to see how anyone can come back from this as there’s nothing left at all.”
Fife Council’s service manager for building standards and public safety, Garry Nicoll, confirmed his team have assessed the building and barriers have been put up to protect the public.
He added: “We’re now in discussion with the owners of the building and waiting for a full structural assessment before we consider next steps.”
Conversation