EMERGENCY crews remain in Ayr and parts of the town centre are still closed off after a major blaze in the town centre.

One Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) appliance and a number of Police Scotland officers are still stationed at the site around Alloway Street and High Street.

Eight appliances were sent to tackle the flames after the fire broke out shortly after 8pm on Tuesday, December 12.

The blaze has since been extinguished though fire crews remain in place to  dampen down hot spots.

There are no reports of any injuries at this stage.

The exact location of the fire is still unclear with the SFRS stating the blaze affected a "commercial property" and Police Scotland adding they were called to a fire in a lane off of Alloway Street.

Both Alloway Street and High Street were closed off when the fire broke out, but have since partially re-opened.

One side of Alloway Street, from the end of the former Hourstons to the Blue Lagoon, remains taped off, though traffic can still pass.

Within this area, part of the glass door entrance to The Old Factory Shop has been smashed, though it is understood the fire was not within this shop.

Staff said they were hopeful the store could reopen on Thursday.

Ayr Advertiser: Fire crews remain at the scene, with several police cordons set up in various areas, following a

Police have also taped off various sections in the surrounding area, including a unit within a car park off of neighbouring Dalbair Road, at the former rear entrance to the Arran Mall.

Ayr Advertiser: Fire crews remain at the scene, with several police cordons set up in various areas, following a

There is no indication yet of when the cordons will be lifted and crews will leave the scene - though a source at the scene on Wednesday said it could "be a while".

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 8.25pm on Tuesday, December 12 to reports of a building on fire at High Street, Ayr.

“Operations Control mobilised six fire appliances and two height vehicles to a fire affecting a commercial property.

“One fire appliance is currently still at the scene and firefighters are dampening down hot spots.

“There are no reported casualties.”

Ayr Advertiser: Fire crews remain at the scene, with several police cordons set up in various areas, following a

A Police Scotland spokesperson added: "Around 8.50 pm on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, police were called to a report of a fire in a lane off on Alloway Street, Ayr. 

"The fire has been extinguished and there have been no reports of anyone being injured.

"Enquiries in to the cause of the fire are continuing.

“Alloway Street is open but subject to restrictions."

ASouth Ayrshire Council spokesperson added: "We are not aware that any council services were affected by this incident."