FIREFIGHTERS raced to one of Glasgow's most famous restaurants after a parasol went up in flames early today.

Rogano, in Exchange Place in the city centre, narrowly avoided being damaged in the blaze, which appears to have been started by a passing reveller.

Restaurant staff said today that CCTV footage appears to show a man deliberately setting the outdoor parasol alight.

Stephen Marsh, Rogano's director of finance, said: "It appears from the CCTV footage as though this has been done delib-erately. Someone has acted irresponsibly.

"We will pass on the CCTV to the police, who have told us the area outside the restaurant is being treated as a crime scene and not to touch anything until they have been here to investigate.

"There is no damage to the restaurant itself and we will be open as normal today."

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service were called to the scene at 3.40am and sent four appliances.

A spokeswoman for the service said: "A canopy was on fire outside the restaurant and it was quickly put out by the officers."

Rogano - the oldest restaurant in Glasgow - is famous for its Art Deco style decor, classic cocktails and seafood menu.

It is owned by James Mortimer's Lynnet Leisure Group.

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: "We are treating this as a wilful fireraising incident and inquiries are ongoing."

stef.lach@

heraldandtimes.co.uk