The flat, directly above The Buteman's former office next door to the Galatea Bar, was unoccupied when the fire broke out just before 4.30pm, and flames could clearly be seen leaping into the sky.

Strathclyde Fire and Rescue's Rothesay watch commander, Roddie Shaw, told The Buteman: "We were called to the building at 4.33pm on Saturday and when we arrived firefighters were met with a well developed fire in a first floor flat.

"Four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the flat, while some of their colleagues fought the fire externally from a 10.5 metre ladder to prevent it running through the roof space. It was quickly established that there was no-one in the flat.

"Three pumps were used, and Tighnabruaich were asked to provide cover for Bute until 7pm.

"Rothesay crews provided cover at the scene throughout the night, and fire investigation officers attended on Sunday to help establish the cause of the fire - their investigations are ongoing.

"We evacuated the flat immediately below and also one to the left and one above the Galatea. The incident was closed at 5.30pm on Sunday."

Roddie warned that if the blaze had occcurred during the night, the consequences could have been tragic for anyone asleep in the flat.

He also expressed extreme concern that there was no smoke alarm in the house, and reminded members of the public that free fire safety advice is available by contacting any member of the local fire service who will arrange an inspection, followed by a report and, if required, a free smoke alarm.

Meanwhile, firefighters were called to a separate blaze in nearby King Street later on Saturday evening. The outbreak occurred in a small cooker and was quickly dealt with.