Michael Maggs, 52, of Beaufort, Culbokie, had been developing three properties at Earlseat Steading, Moyness, near Nairn when financial stress led him to commit the crime. He lied to obtain insurance coverage, claiming that the site had fencing and CCTV, and that he was living on the premises.

After setting the fire, he tried to claim it was accidental but was arrested 2 October 2018 and charged with insurance fraud following a joint investigation by Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, The Press and Journal reports.