Latest news with #BellwinScheme
Daily Record
02-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
First group of residents return home following fatal Perth blaze
Demolition work carried out allowed residents of 36 Scott Street to return to their homes on Thursday June 26. The first group of Scott Street residents displaced by the fire in a nearby tenement block have been able to return to their homes. The fire destroyed 41 Scott Street and ongoing demolition work means it is unsafe for other nearby residents and businesses to return to their homes and premises. However, progress on the demolition work allowed residents of 36 Scott Street to return to their homes on Thursday. PKC deputy leader, and councillor for the Perth City Centre ward, Eric Drysdale said: 'The fire at Scott Street was tragic and the consequences will be felt for a long time to come. One person died and others were injured while 55 households were displaced because of it. 'Council staff have been working hard to find accommodation for these people and demolition contractors Reigart have been striving to bring 41 Scott Street down to a safe level that will start allowing people to return to their homes. 'It is great that these efforts mean 15 households are now back in their homes. 'I am sure they felt a real mix of emotions and that is why the Red Cross had staff on hand to provide support to those who needed it on Thursday. 'I would like, once again, to thank everyone who has been working hard on behalf of those affected by the fire – whether they are frontline workers, partner agencies or the people and businesses who have shown such tremendous generosity and concern.' Tesco, Edinburgh Road, donated 15 bags of essential goods to families returning to their homes on Thursday while the Crieff Road branch has also donated vouchers. A host of other businesses including The Ship Inn and Willows have also made donations, while The Salutation Hotel has been providing accommodation for affected residents since the fire. A crowdfunder set up by Perth resident Nicola Bell has raised nearly £6,000. She will work with Perth and Kinross Council to distribute any funds raised. On Wednesday, Perth and Kinross Council agreed to provide an emergency £250,000 funding to support residents and businesses. The Scottish Government has agreed to open the Bellwin Scheme, which provides emergency funding to local authorities. Reigart Contracts Ltd have been working on the demolition of 41 Scott Street since the fire. The company has previously been responsible for dismantling damaged parts of the Mackintosh building after the Glasgow School of Art was damaged by fire. A spokesperson for the firm said: 'We're pleased to report that as of Thursday, June 26 2025, residents of 36 Scott Street have returned safely to their homes. 'This follows two weeks of continuous demolition and safety works in conjunction with G3 Consulting Engineers and Perth and Kinross Council. 'Our operatives will continue working on Saturday (and will return on Monday June 30) where the works to the South Street elevation will be our main focus.' Perth and Kinross also hosted two drop-in sessions, on Tuesday and Friday, at its offices at 2 High Street for those affected by the fire this week. Last Friday's event supported by Pete Wishart MP and John Swinney MSP focused on insurance. Senior representatives from the Association of British Insurers (ABI), AVIVA and Perth and Kinross Council (PKC) were in attendance. Mr Wishart said: 'This was a really constructive meeting. The sheer range of issues that people are experiencing as a result of the fire was apparent, and a testament to what a hugely complex situation this is. 'I am pleased that clarity was able to be provided on most questions raised. However, given how dynamic the operation is, there were also a number of points that require further consideration and discussion as we move forward. 'As such, all stakeholders have committed to working together within our various responsibilities in the months ahead, in order to deal with this as swiftly and effectively as possible, and to minimise the burden on impacted residents during this most difficult time. 'The whole of Perth has rallied together following this horrific incident to support those impacted. 'We must ensure that all insurance companies are assisting their customers in that same spirit, by handling their claims swiftly and compassionately.' Mr Swinney added: 'The purpose of the meeting was to facilitate direct dialogue between residents and businesses with the relevant authorities, and to help them navigate through the various hurdles they are encountering. 'A range of topics were discussed, with a particular focus on insurance, including insurers' responsibilities when handling claims, consumer rights, and other forms of support that can accessed. 'This will inevitably be a hugely challenging period ahead for those impacted, and I will therefore be working closely with stakeholders to make sure that my constituents are fully supported in overcoming the challenges they face.'
Daily Record
27-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Perth fire victims offered financial support from Perth and Kinross Council
The local authority has pledged £250,000 to help those most affected Perth and Kinross Council (PKC) will immediately allocate £250,000 to help Perth residents and businesses impacted by the devastating fire on Scott Street which tragically claimed the life of one man. The Finance and Resources Committee today unanimously agreed to allocate the funding from the council's earmarked reserve for Communities. At the Wednesday, June 18 meeting, councillors were asked to approve the financial move to support the local authority's response to and recovery from the fire. It comes after a fire broke out at 41 Scott Street in the early hours of Saturday, June 14, destroying the entire sandstone building resulting in the loss of several homes and a popular pub, The Royal Bar. Around 50 households have been displaced and several businesses have had to close, including the neighbouring That Bar and Loft Nightclub. Tabling the motion to make the funding available, Perth and Kinross Council leader Grant Laing said it was important the local authority helped those most affected. The SNP leader said: "It is still early days, and it is likely that there will be a call for other funding, but it is important that the council stands with our citizens and communities in their hour of need. "So today I am proposing the immediate allocation of £250,000 from the Communities earmarked reserve to support those very communities. This initial package will provide enhanced support for people and for businesses as well as recognise that the council is incurring additional costs too. "Specifically, as well as augmenting the Scottish Welfare Fund and Financial Insecurity Fund, this investment will assist residents affected by rent shortfalls, who are not eligible for other support. "For businesses directly impacted by the demolition and closures, funding to support their immediate recovery costs as well as future expenses linked to reopening or relocation. "Looking ahead, we may also look at how we encourage footfall back into the areas affected. "And finally, resources for the immediate council response including, but not restricted to, traffic management, additional staff costs, building safety and homelessness. "Clearly the council's response is still evolving. Therefore I further move that responsibility for the allocation of this funding will be delegated to the chief finance officer who will provide the committee with updates on its use at future meetings." The move comes following last week's announcement the Scottish Government had activated the Bellwin Scheme. He said discussions between council officers and civil servants around wider financial support were ongoing. Cllr Laing added: "However, that will take time. "This motion is about getting financial support out to people and business now." The motion was seconded by Finance and Resources Committee convener Stewart Donaldson and received the unanimous support of councillors. Perth City Centre ward councillor Peter Barrett "wholeheartedly" supported the motion and praised the council response, which included a drop-in session on Tuesday for those impacted by the fire and subsequent road and building closures. The Liberal Democrat councillor said: "I attended the drop-in event yesterday and was again really heartened by the council's ability to have all key agencies and essential support services gathered under one roof to assist the victims, the traumatised displaced residents and the businesses forced into closure." "We need to be there for them. So the measures proposed in this motion are vital if we are to reduce the stress, the anguish and loss that people have suffered and are suffering. We cannot eliminate that but we can do our best to support people through the coming months." Conservative group leader John Duff thanked Cllr Laing for bringing the motion to council. Cllr Duff added: "The consequences of the fatal and catastrophic fire in Scott St are going to be with us for a long time to come. "As a council, we have a duty to respond with assistance and I'm glad we've moved quickly to progress this initial funding." Deputy council leader Eric Drysdale, who represents the Perth City Centre ward, added: "Many have lost everything they had. "Others in neighbouring properties have also had to face significant challenges which will continue until they are able to get home safely, but the consequences of this tragedy will doubtless continue to affect them for months and years to come. "Then there are the businesses who have had to close and who may not have had business interruption insurance, and also their employees will potentially be adversely impacted. "Of course the financial effects are one thing, but we must also remember that one family has lost something even more precious, the life of a loved one, and I know they are grieving deeply as we all strive to take forward this recovery phase."
Daily Record
26-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Argyll and Bute Council to spend further £1.3m on Storm Eowyn repair costs
Argyll and Bute Council approved additional funding to help the region recover from Storm Eowyn, which caused widespread damage to buildings, roads, infrastructure and marine assets. Councillors have greenlit extra funding to the tune of £1.3million to aid Argyll and Bute's recovery from Storm Eowyn, which wreaked havoc on buildings, roads, infrastructure and marine assets. The fierce storm lashed the country in January, with wind speeds reaching a staggering 100mph, resulting in widespread destruction. Power outages, suspended ferry services, obstructed roads and tidal flooding were among the issues plaguing numerous communities across Argyll and Bute. Council infrastructure bore the brunt of the damage, particularly roads, sea walls and harbour facilities, along with other areas such as burial sites, parks, recycling centres and operational depots. The total projected repair costs are pegged at £3.9m, and councillors have today (Thursday) agreed to an additional £1.3m in funding towards these costs, if necessary. Argyll and Bute Council lodged an application to the Scottish Government's Bellwin Scheme in May 2025 and is awaiting confirmation for funding of £352,898. The storm left a trail of destruction across council properties, with four properties suffering major damage. These properties, included the severely damaged Helensburgh Leisure Centre, Glencruitten Hostel and Park Primary School, both in Oban, and Struan Lodge Care Home in Dunoon, which are currently subject to an insurance claim. The council is liaising with the loss adjustor to prioritise repair works. Councillors have agreed to a service payment increment of £65,000 per month for LiveArgyll, beginning in November until Helensburgh Leisure Centre reopens, continuing for an additional two months thereafter. Councillor Ross Moreland, who leads on Finance and Commercial Service, commented on the storm's repercussions, saying: "Storm Eowyn had a severe impact on our communities and affected many different elements of our local infrastructure. "Substantial funding has already been committed to supporting the recovery process and implementing the repairs programme. With severe weather events becoming more frequent, it's vital we allocate additional funding to help improve our future resilience to such events." The Lennox Herald earlier this month reported how the roof of Helensburgh's storm-hit leisure centre will have to be completely replaced after it was ripped off in the storm. The £22m state-of-the-art facility remains out of commission while the council disclosed that repair works necessitate total replacement of the building's roof. In a statement earlier this month, the council said: "The roof has been damaged to such an extent that the entire roofing system will require to be removed and then relayed layer by layer. Unfortunately, it is not as straightforward as sourcing more roofing sheets and re-attaching them as has been suggested by some. "Given that almost 60 per cent of the outer roofing materials were lost during the storm, an internal rainwater capture system has been recommended by the insurers and disaster recovery experts which is common in similarly damaged buildings. "This system has been installed by the council and its contractors, and protects the internals from further water damage, whilst allowing roofing contractors to work on the building from above." The council expressed its appreciation to those who lent a hand in the storm's aftermath, saying: "If we had not got things moving as quickly as we did, the repair time could have been longer. "We also want to thank the users of the leisure centre who have been patient while we take the necessary steps to rectify the situation and have taken up the alternative arrangements put in place by Live Argyll to provide leisure services." The repair efforts have included identifying the extent of the damage to the building, and from there the repairs needed to re-instate and reduce the risk of similar events happening again, liaising with loss adjustors and insurers about financing the recovery work, commissioning contractors to carry out work, and working with Live Argyll on alternative proposals for leisure services while this work is being done. Progress thus far has seen protective measures put in place, the reopening of car parks and electric vehicle charging stations, and the temporary relocation of gym and fitness classes to other facilities. Furthermore, an elaborate "water capture system" has been installed to shield the structure from additional harm. While no exact timeline for finishing the repairs has been set, the council predicts that it might be as late as March next year before the premises can welcome visitors once more. The council's objective, they stated, is to have the centre operational again "as soon as practicable".
