FIREFIGHTERS battled a large blaze at one of Prestonpans most historic houses last night.

Fire engines rushed to the scene of the fire at boarded up Harlaw Hill House at about 11pm on Sunday.

READ MORE: Five engines called to tackle blaze at Tranent property

Harlaw Hill House is a listed 17th-century building and has been on the Buildings At Risk Register in Scotland for several years.

It has a 17th-century tower to the front and stables added in the 18th century which are of notable interest.

The mansion’s south wing collapsed in 1968 due to mining subsidence but it remained occupied despite the damage.

The house has not been occupied for some time.

READ MORE: VIDEO: Firefighters tackle blaze at Prestonpans home

Sarah Law, from Wallyford, was picking up her daughter from her mum's house at the top of the road at the time of the fire.

She told the Courier: "I had just got my daughter when we got there.

"The fireman had been spraying it so was mostly smoke.

"It soon got bigger, the smoke started to circle and then the flames shot up.

"My heart was in my mouth when they were trying to break through the window at side in case flames came out.

"It is so so sad to see.

"Firefighters dealt with it well."

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 10.24pm on Sunday, May 22 to reports of a building on fire at Harlaw Hill, Prestonpans.
“Operations Control mobilised four fire appliances and one height vehicle and firefighters extinguished a fire affecting a derelict building.
“There were no reported casualties and crews left after ensuring the area was made safe.”

A Police spokesperson said: “Around 10.40pm on the evening of Sunday May 22, police were contacted by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in relation to a derelict building on fire in Harlaw Hill, Prestonpans, to assist with cordon control.”

“Enquiries are currently on-going.”

Outraged residents took to social media to express their anger.

One Facebook user said: "I'm absolutely devastated to see this. Always believed it could be rescued."

Another added: "This amazing house is such an important part of the Prestonpans history.

"It is so sad."