The Northern Ireland developers undertaking the restoration of a grade A-listed castle, hit by a massive blaze on Monday, are said to be confident the project can still be recovered.

Daniel Platt and Richard Pollock suffered a second blow when Monday’s fire at Lennox Castle, east Dunbartonshire, reignited 24 hours later.

Over 30 firefighters fought the flames for four hours on Monday evening at the 19th century building, after a fire was reported at 6pm.

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Fire officers then attended a second blaze at the castle when smoke was spotted on the roof.

Unoccupied since 1994, the site was once part of the Lennox Castle psychiatic hospital, which closed six years ago.

The new owners, who run P&P Properties Northern Ireland, were granted permission to build over 30 apartments, 18 months ago.

Mr Pollock and Mr Platt flew to Scotland yesterday to analysis the damage, while smoke still bellowed from the building.

Both said they felt obliged to visit the site to "show their concern and commitment" to the project.

Support in the area is strong for the redevelopment of the castle, as previous projects failed to materialise.

Police in Strathclyde Police are stilling trying to establish the cause of the fire.

(PR)