Fire inspectors still puzzled cause of blaze that ripped through the M&Co clothing store on Academy Street in Inverness

The store in Academy Street reopened in October last year, after being shut since the blaze in April 2015.

The Highland News obtained the official incident report following a freedom of information request to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

It stated: "Due to the severity of the fire within this building and the subsequent structural collapse of the roof, a full excavation could not be undertaken for reasons of health and safety.

"The fire cause and origin cannot be accurately assessed and must therefore be recorded as unknown at this incident."

The two-storey building, one of the oldest in the city centre, was ravaged by the blaze which was fought by dozens of firefighters.

Crews remained at the scene for days afterwards to make the building safe.

Repair work included stabilising external walls and a new steel frame installed internally using a mix of traditional and modern roof constructions and finishes.

The repairs to the upper floor of the building include three office suites and meeting room facilities with their own access from Strothers Lane.

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