A hugely popular Braemar hotel has been destroyed by fire after an explosion ripped through the building yesterday morning.
Fire crews were called to the Braemar Lodge Hotel at about 7.30am, after getting reports of a shed on fire near the property.
However, it was not long before the flames spread to the main building.
Police Scotland confirmed that seven guests, two staff and the owner were evacuated from the building to safety.
A large explosion was captured on video, and flames could be seen in the hotel's upper floor and roof.
Braemar Lodge Hotel itself has been completely gutted, with only the granite walls still standing - a devastating sight for locals who described it as "the heart of the community".
Dating from 1870, the hotel building is a former Victorian shooting lodge.
The A93 Glenshee Road was closed near the hotel and local diversions were put in place.
Aberdeenshire Council said lessons at nearby Braemar Primary School would be taking place online. The council hopes to reopen the school on Thursday.