Emergency services were called in the early hours of this morning to reports of a fire at Cove Harbour’s boathouse.

The incident is being treated as suspicious by police, with boats, equipment and fishing gear all destroyed in the blaze.

Police attended the scene at around 3am.

Detective Constable Wilma Ritchie said: “We are investigating this incident, however I would also appeal to anyone with information to get in touch as soon as possible.

“I would be particularly interested in hearing from anyone who saw any vehicles leaving the Harbour area or that were in the vicinity of Old Cove at that time.

“Please contact Police on 101 and quote ref. no. CF0003930119.”

Local fisherman Roy Jamieson was at the harbour this morning when he saw the police activity.

He said “I had a boat at the harbour until last year. This is very sad news for the fishermen.”

Fishermen from the Cove Fisherman’s Association recently lost their long-running fight to dock their fleet of around 10 traditional vessels at Cove Harbour, after being locked in a four-year legal battle.

More to follow.