A hostel in the Highlands, which was left badly damaged by a fire in April 2013 and has lain empty ever since, is to be made safe by contractors.

Earlier this month, the Highland Council issued a Dangerous Building Enforcement Notice to the owners of the Eastgate Hostel in Inverness.

It is understood the owners were discussing what they could do to repair the structure, but following a recent structural survey by the Highland Council's Building Standards Team, the building was found to be unsafe. The structure had deteriorated, leaving its integrity compromised due to the length of time it had been left abandoned. The local authority then decided to take enforcement action to speed up work on the building to ensure its safety.

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It has now been confirmed that the owners have appointed a contractor to make the building safe.

Works are expected to begin on the property from today (23 February).

(JP/CD)