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Fire crews from throughout Arran rushed to Brodick Castle on Saturday to rescue people, paintings and valuable antique works of art.
However, the castle was the setting for a ‘long overdue’ major fire and rescue exercise - and not the real thing.
The joint operation in conjunction with Strathclyde Fire and Rescue and the National Trust for Scotland was the first of its kind since 1992. Brodick Castle property manager Ken Thorburn said: ‘This was the first major exercise at the castle for 15 years and it was long overdue.
‘I think there were many areas that we and the fire service need to improve on.
‘At the back of your mind you always worry about what would happen if it was a real fire. I think these exercises need to take place more often and the fire crews need to be caught unawares for it to be a real practice emergency.’
Strathclyde Fire and Rescue group manager, Paul McClintock said: ‘This exercise put the Arran crews through the motions of what would need to be done if there was a major fire on the island. Brodick Castle is a very important building and it is crucial that local crews know what to do if there was ever a fire here.’
Brodick Castle is the National Trust for Scotland’s most highly insured property.
Mr McClintock added: ‘Safety of human life is always our number one concern but the retrieval of artefacts at the castle is also very important.’
