Emergency services are attending a fire in the County Hotel in Stornoway town centre.
The blaze broke out around lunchtime today (Wednesday).
No injuries have been reported.
Flames were spotted bursting out of a roof of the building.
A huge plume of thick smoke rose above the hotel and spread across Francis Street.
Billowing smoke was seen for a distance with some people reporting they observed it several miles away in Point.
Fire crews got the flames under control fairly quickly according to one onlooker who saw the unfolding incident.
They praised fire fighters for their quick response and efforts in tackling the blaze.
Fire personnel were at the scene for hours.
A number of firefighters donned breathing sets before entering the building, gaining access to the top storey via an external staircase at the rear of the property.
Later they undertook a thorough examination of the building, searching for hotspots and to douse any embers to prevent them from reigniting it is understood.
A crane arrived late afternoon to assist firefighters.
The hotel was evacuated as was the post office next door. Broadbay Medical Practice on the same street also closed.
Four fire crews attended after the alarm was raised around 1.20pm.
Two appliances from the town station were first on the scene followed by South Lochs and Shawbost crews.
Gas and electricity engineers also attended at the property.
Ambulance crews were also present outside the hotel, on standby as a precaution it is believed.
Police officers maintained a cordon around the property and assisted with traffic management. Roads were blocked at sections of Kenneth Street and Francis Street.
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Operations control mobilised four appliances to the scene, where crews remain as they work to make the area safe.
“There are no reported casualties.”
