Cause may never be known

The cause of the fire that destroyed Edinburgh's Gilded Balloon venue may never be known.

Officials are expected to report that they will probably not be able to determine the cause of last month's blaze that gutted historic buildings in the city's old town.

The ferocity of the blaze left many buildings too unstable for investigators to carry out their work.

According to the Edinburgh Evening News, the senior investigator believes there are two or three probable causes, but "thinking and proving are two different things".

However, it is believed that foul play has been ruled out.

A host of British comedy stars gathered in London for a fundraiser for the Gilded Balloon on Sunday. Click here for our review.

Another benefit is to be held in Edinburgh in March.

Published: 21 Jan 2003