Smoking in bed

SMOKING in bed can prove dangerous as a resident in Lerwick’s youth hostel found out to his own detriment in the early hours of Thursday.

Fire fighters and police were called to the Islesburgh House youth hostel at 2.10am after the building’s smoke detector and fire alarm were activated.

The sole resident had managed to extinguish the bedclothes that were set alight, but was taken to Lerwick’s Gilbert Bain Hospital to receive treatment to minor burns to his hand.

There has been some fire damage to the bed, mattress and floor covering.

Hostel manager Dale Smith said: “We obviously have strict fire procedures in place that were swiftly put into place by our overnight staff member last night.

“I am pleased that it was a quiet night in the hostel and that the damage is confined to just one room.

“We do remind all our residents that smoking is prohibited in Islesburgh and will continue to do so in future.”

Islesburgh Hostel remains open for residents as usual.