Inverness Fairways Business Park fire: Second man arrested and charged in connection with blaze, confirm Police Scotland officers in the Highlands
A second man has been arrested and charged in connection with a major fire at the Fairways Business Park in Inverness.
The 38-year-old, who has not yet been named, is expected to appear in Inverness Sheriff Court today (Thursday), police have confirmed. A report has also been sent to the Procurator Fiscal.
Announcing the second arrest, Detective Inspector Caroline MacKay said: “I would like to extend my thanks to the local community for their co-operation and support during this investigation”.
The man is the second person to face charges in connection with the blaze, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, March 9 and completely destroyed a building housing several businesses, as well as causing smoke damage to the neighbouring Inverness Kart Raceway.
The first man arrested and charged, Jack Ventham (34) from Livingston, appeared at Inverness Sheriff Court on Monday, where he made no plea or declaration. He is accused of two offences.
The first, is that he reset a vehicle at various locations in Inverness as well as at Perth BP station and McDonald's in Livingston, the vehicle having been dishonestly appropriated by unknown means.
He was further charged that he, while acting in the company of another, wilfully set fire to the Scottish Premium Seafood shop at Unit 1 in Fairway Business Park by reversing a vehicle into the building and then igniting it.
Ventham is due to reappear in court within the coming days, to be fully committed.
Bail may be considered at that stage, if applied for.
It is not yet known what charges the second man is accused of.
The Inverness Kart Raceway, which was damaged in the fire, announced this week that it will reopen within the next few weeks.
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