Dingwall hotel fire-raising case collapses
A TRIAL of a man accused of setting fire to a Dingwall hotel collapsed dramatically today (Wednesday).
Keiran Finlayson (19) went on trial before a jury at Dingwall Sheriff Court on Tuesday, charged with causing a major blaze at the town’s Royal Hotel last February.
The jury was due to sit for a second day of evidence yesterday.
But when the court convened, depute fiscal Alison Whyte told Sheriff James Scott that after enquiries, the Crown was now withdrawing the libel against Finlayson.
Finlayson, of Teaninich Street, Alness, was found not guilty and walked free.
Finlayson had denied wilfully setting fire to the Royal Hotel, High Street, Dingwall, causing it to take effect, and extensively damaging the hotel and adjoining properties, on February 11, 2013.
At its height around 50 firefighters with eight appliances were tackling the blaze at the town centre building after fire broke out in the early hours. The hotel, which is used as a B&B and hostel for the homeless, was left 30 per cent fire damaged.
Residents of nearby flats had to be evacuated and were out of their properties for several days while structural surveys were carried out.
Local business premises below the hotel were affected by fire and smoke damage, and were also closed for days.
