Boy, 12, charged over fire that destroyed building in Kilmarnock

A 12-year-old boy has been charged in connection with a building fire which destroyed a number of businesses and closed part of Kilmarnock’s high street.

Emergency services were called to reports of a well-developed fire at a four-storey building on Sandbed Street around 9pm on Monday.

Six fire engines and two specialist units battled the blaze at its height with crews working through the night to bring incident under control.

There were no injuries.

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Officers have arrested and charged a 12-year-old boy in connection with the incident. He has been released on an undertaking and is due to appear at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court later this month.

The investigation into the blaze is ongoing.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “A 12-year-old male has been arrested and charged in connection with a fire in Kilmarnock.

“Around 9.30pm on Monday, July 14, 2025, we received a report of a fire at a premises on Sandbed Street. There were no reported injuries.

“The youth has been released on an undertaking to appear at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court later this month. The fire is being treated as wilful and enquiries are ongoing.

“Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 3692 of July 14, 2025. “