Police Scotland report that they are now treating the fire at Cruck Cottage, Sheildhill Road in Torthorwald as suspicious. The fire was discovered at around 2255 hours on Tuesday 9 January 2018. Fire and Rescue Service attended and the fire was eventually extinguished, however has caused extensive damage to the thatched roof and supporting timbers.
Detective Sergeant Scott Young said “the Cruck Cottage is a Grade A listed building and is operated as a museum. A joint fire investigation will take place later today, Thursday 11 January 2018 in order to try and establish the cause of the fire. At this time we are examining CCTV footage around the area of the cottage, and have now identified movements near the cottage just prior to the fire being discovered. We are therefore appealing to the public for information which might help us in this investigation. We want to hear from anyone who may have been on the Sheildhill Road area in Torthorwald on Tuesday evening to get in touch if they can help identify any suspicious activity, or can identify any vehicles in that area near the cottage. Callers can use the 101 number and should quote PDG 0007240118.
