Latest news with #EricDrysdale
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.'
BBC News
25-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Perth fire victims get £250,000 in council support
Perth and Kinross Council will provide £250,000 to support local residents affected by a fatal fire in Perth earlier this month.A man died and two people - an eight-year-old girl and a 27-year-old man - were taken to hospital after a fire broke out on the corner of Scott Street and South Street in the early hours of Saturday 14 council leader Eric Drysdale said that the internal stairwell of the building had been destroyed during the fire, leaving no other means of escape for said the girl taken to hospital had been seriously injured but was now recovering. Crews from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service worked through the night into Saturday morning to extinguish the firefighters, one of whom was struck by falling masonry, were given medical entire building will be demolished as a result of the blaze and 50 families have been is expected to be significant disruption in the area for months. The new funds will help residents affected by rent shortfalls who may not be eligible for other support. Council leader Grant Laing 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."He acknowledged that the Scottish government had pledged its support but said that would take time."This motion is about getting financial support out to people and business now," he impacted by the demolition of the building and road closures will be given direct financial help to support immediate costs as well as any future reopening or relocation expenses. Last week, councillors were told that about 70 businesses had approached the local authority for help after the money will also support the council's wider response to homelessness, traffic management and building local authority said it may also look at how it could encourage footfall back into the area in the future.
Daily Record
22-06-2025
- Daily Record
Work underway to rehouse residents as blaze-hit Perth tenement declared unsafe
PKC is asking local landlords or Air BnB owners with available accommodation to assist with the rehousing effort. Dozens of Perth residents will have to be rehoused following the fire which ripped through a city tenement claiming a man's life. The Scott Street building has been declared unsafe and those living near the site will have to be found alternative accommodation while demolition work takes place. More than 40 residents had to be evacuated from their homes as a result of Saturday's blaze and a respite centre was set up in the nearby Salutation Hotel. It is expected there will now be months of disruption in Perth city centre while the demolition work is carried out. Road closures remain in place on South Street and Scott Street while enquiries and work on the building is ongoing. A joint Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) investigation is taking place into the cause of the fire. First Minister John Swinney, who visited the site on Tuesday, said: 'I would like to express my sympathy to all those who remain affected by this tragic incident, especially the family of the gentleman who sadly lost his life. I also recognise that this is an incredibly difficult time for so many people. 'Incidents of this severity remind us of the sheer bravery and professionalism of our firefighters and other emergency services workers in putting themselves in danger to assist others. Their actions without doubt saved many lives. 'My government will work closely with Perth and Kinross Council to make sure that support is made available to all of those who have been affected by this terrible event.' PKC deputy leader Eric Drysdale said this week: 'Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the person who tragically lost their life in this terrible incident, and with all the other people affected. 'Since the fire, Scottish Fire and Rescue, Police Scotland and Council staff have been on site to ensure the safety of the wider public. 'On Saturday, June 14 a structural engineering contractor was brought in to assess the damage caused to the building at 41 Scott Street. 'Their report outlined devastating damage to the whole building. The structure has been made unsafe and no part of it is salvageable. As things stand, the building is a serious risk to health and safety. 'Unfortunately, this means that the whole building will require complete demolition. This will be an extremely complex process, and specialist demolition contractor Reigart have been appointed to carry out the task. 'The building will require careful demolition from the top, down to ground level and this will take some time to complete. It is estimated that the work could take around 24 weeks, but it is possible that it could be concluded earlier if there are no complications. 'To allow the work to be carried out safely, pedestrian and traffic access to sections of Scott Street and South Street around the site will remain closed. We appreciate that this will cause continued significant disruption in Perth City Centre, but unfortunately this is unavoidable given the situation we face.' An eight-year-old girl and a 27-year-old man had been taken to hospital for treatment following the fire which claimed the life of a man. Two firefighters also sustained injuries and received medical attention. The British Red Cross is among those providing practical help and emotional support in the wake of the fire. Trained volunteers are providing clothing and toiletries to those unable to access their belongings or homes as well as support at hotels housing evacuated residents. Police Scotland divisional commander for Tayside chief superintendent Nicola Russell said: 'Our thoughts remain with all those impacted by this fire. 'Our enquiries remain ongoing to establish the cause of the fire and we would like to thank the local community for their co-operation and support and officers remain in the area. 'Road closures and cordons remain in place to ensure safety and allow enquiries to be carried out. 'We are reviewing CCTV and speaking to residents and I would appeal for anyone with any information which could assist to contact us.' Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 0380 of 14 June, 2025. PKC is asking local landlords or Air BnB owners with available accommodation to get in touch with them to assist with the rehousing effort. They can contact the housing team at: privatesectoraccess@ PKC said it is hoped some of these people will be able to move back into their homes after 16 weeks, when demolition work has progressed and the building will be of a safe height. People who live in the block directly adjacent to number 41 (number 33) will have to be rehoused for the entire duration of the work. Some other households who live further away from the fire site but who still live inside the cordon have been asked to leave their homes for the short-term. They are aiming to allow these people back into their homes soon. The council spokesperson added that PKC will support businesses who will be affected by the road closures, adding: 'We have been speaking to them today to see what arrangements can be put in place to help. 'This support will continue and develop throughout the duration of the closure. Anyone who needs to speak to our Business Support Team can email businessdevelopment@ The spokesman continued: 'It is hoped that the outer cordon can be reduced in the near future to allow some businesses to reopen and some people to return to their homes. 'A new road traffic configuration for Perth city centre is being designed to allow the free flow of traffic as far as we can, and to provide delivery access to premises. We will provide an update with these arrangements. 'Buses will be re-routed, and some temporary stops will be put into the city centre. Signage will be in place so that people know where they can get their bus.' Councillor Drysdale added: 'The people of Perth and local businesses have responded to this sad event with huge compassion and generosity. It has been heartening to see our local community pull together to help people at their time of greatest need. 'We would appreciate everyone's ongoing co-operation and understanding as we deal with this difficult situation. 'We understand that the disruption to the city centre will bring frustrations, but we are committed to completing the work as soon as we can and most importantly, to continue support for the people and businesses who have been directly affected by the fire. 'I would once again like to pay tribute to our emergency services for their continued excellent response to this incident, as well as to the wide range of council and Health and Social Care Partnership staff who rose to a significant challenge over the weekend to provide all the support and help that they could. 'I also want to pass on my sincere gratitude to the staff at Salutation Hotel, who have been superb in working with us to make sure that people affected had the care they needed in the aftermath of the fire.'
BBC News
20-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Brave firefighters 'saved many lives' in Perth tenement blaze
The rapid response of "brave firefighters" saved many lives during a tenement blaze in Perth over the weekend, a council meeting has council leader Eric Drysdale said that the internal stairwell of the building on the corner of Scott Street and South Street had been destroyed during the fire, leaving no other means of escape for residents.A man died and two people - an eight-year-old girl and a 27-year-old man - were taken to hospital following the fire, which broke out at about 01:50 on Drysdale said the girl had sustained serious injuries in the blaze, but was now "on the road to recovery." Two firefighters, one of whom was struck by falling masonry, were given medical entire building will be demolished as a result of the blaze and 50 families have been affected. Cllr Drysdale told the meeting - convened to discuss financial aid for tenants and businesses - that the emergency services had responded "magnificently."He said: "On arrival, without hesitating, our brave firefighters proceeded towards what had already become an inferno and were able to rescue many residents from upper floor windows after the internal stairwell had already been destroyed by the fire leaving no other means of escape."The councillor said that it was "very clear" that the rapid response and evacuation tactics saved "many lives."Speaking about the residents, he said: "One minute most, if not all of them, were fast asleep in bed, the next they awoke in terror with flames and smoke in the stairway and entering their homes."Some in lower floors planned their escape by lowering bedsheets out of windows while others stood at windows shouting to be rescued. "All wearing nothing but their nightclothes, and all set to leave their homes and all their worldly possessions behind."The councillor also thanked the nearby Salutation Hotel for looking after the evacuated residents, and the kindness of the local community. Councillors were told that about 70 businesses had approached the local authority for help following the Scottish government has also pledged its and Kinross Council's chief financial officer Scott Walker said the authority is required to contribute the first £850,000 towards the significant costs associated with the incident response - largely the demolition of the unsafe will be asked on Wednesday to consider allocating financial support from the council budget to those most affected by the by Kathryn Anderson, Local Democracy Reporting Service
Scottish Sun
17-06-2025
- Scottish Sun
Demolition crew to bulldoze Scots flats where man, 27, killed in horror blaze & 50 people evacuated
People living nearby have also been asked to leave their homes as cops plead for information Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DEMOLITION crews are being called in to tear down a building after a horror fire which claimed a man's life and left dozens homeless. The tragic inferno tore through the building on Scott Street in Perth city centre in the early hours of Saturday morning. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 9 The building will need to be demolished after the fire Credit: Dave Johnston 9 A man died in the fire which tore through the building in Perth city centre Credit: PA 9 The fire was discovered by cops on a routing patrol on Saturday morning Credit: PA 9 Fire crews were deployed to the scene Credit: PA 9 Engineers said no part of the building is salvageable Credit: PA 9 Dozens of people have been made homeless Credit: PA Over 50 residents were evacuated as the flames tore through the building, leaving it badly damaged and destroying several homes. Tragically, a man was pronounced dead at the scene after the fire. A 27-year-old man and eight-year-old both had to be taken to hospital for treatment while two firefighters were also injured. Engineers who were called in to check the building have said the damage from the fire is so severe the building has to be completely demolished. Several residents are being housed in temporary accommodation with the council urging any private landlords or AirBnb owners with space to get in touch. Perth and Kinross Deputy Leader, Councillor Eric Drysdale, said: 'Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the person who tragically lost their life in this terrible incident, and with all the other people affected. 'Since the fire, Scottish Fire and Rescue, Police Scotland and Council staff have been on site to ensure the safety of the wider public. 'On Saturday June 14 a structural engineering contractor was brought in to assess the damage caused to the building at 41 Scott Street. 'Their report outlined devastating damage to the whole building. "The structure has been made unsafe and no part of it is salvageable. As things stand, the building is a serious risk to health and safety. Spanish cops insist hitman who executed Ross Monaghan & Eddie Lyons Jr killer WAS member of rival Daniel clan 'Unfortunately, this means that the whole building will require complete demolition. This will be an extremely complex process, and specialist demolition contractor Reigart has been appointed to carry out the task. Preliminary work has already begun on site. 'The building will require careful demolition from the top, down to ground level and this will take some time to complete. It is estimated that the work could take around 24 weeks, but it is possible that it could be concluded earlier if there are no complications. 'To allow the work to be carried out safely, pedestrian and traffic access to sections of Scott Street and South Street around the site will remain closed. "We appreciate that this will cause continued significant disruption in Perth City Centre, but unfortunately this is unavoidable given the situation we face.' Several people living around the building have also been forced to leave their homes while it is torn down, with some unable to return for more than four months. 9 Fire crews at the scene in Perth on Saturday Credit: Stuart Cowper 9 A major probe is underway into the cause of the blaze Credit: Dave Johnston 9 People living nearby have also been forced to leave their homes Credit: Stuart Cowper Some living and working nearby will be out of their homes and businesses for up to 16 weeks while others won't be able to return until the building has been demolished. Others living on the edge of the cordon will be out of their homes for a short period of time. New temporary bus routes are being brought in and road closures on Scott Street and South Street will be introduced while work is carried out on the dangerous building. Red Cross volunteers have also been drafted in to support locals whose homes were destroyed in the blaze. Eleanor Stack, British Red Cross Operations Lead for Crisis Response, said: 'It is extremely distressing to be evacuated from your home. Everyone experiences emergencies differently, and needs vary based on individual circumstance. "The British Red Cross is helping people at hotels, working with other local partners, to help make sure support is in place. Pub closed for good after blaze THE Royal Bar was a pub on the ground floor of the building destroyed by the blaze. Its owners have revealed they will be closing down for good after the news the whole structure will need torn down. A message on social media thanked their customers for their years of loyalty. It read: "We at the royal bar can confirm that our beloved pub will be closed for good with the horrendous fire on Saturday morning. "We wish to say thank you to every single one of you who has walked through the doors of The Royal throughout the years. "We've had some great times throughout the years with with banter from everyone who has graced the pub. "We are going to miss you all so much. "We are all gutted it has come to an end like this. "Once again we thank you for the support over the years "Our emergency response volunteers are specially trained to help people if they need to talk. "Volunteers are also checking people have everything they need, be that clothing or toiletries and anything else they require to make them feel more comfortable.' Major probe underway A major probe is currently underway to find out the cause of the fatal blaze, with cops and fire investigators appealing for anyone with information. A temporary airspace restriction over the fire scene has been introduced, with people being told they cannot fly drones over Scott Street and South Street until 1pm tomorrow. Chief Superintendent Nicola Russell, Divisional Commander for Tayside said: 'Our thoughts remain with all those impacted by this fire. 'Our enquiries remain ongoing to establish the cause of the fire and we would like to thank the local community for their co-operation and support and officers remain in the area. 'Road closures and cordons remain in place to ensure safety and allow enquiries to be carried out. 'We are reviewing CCTV and speaking to residents and I would appeal for anyone with any information which could assist to contact us.' Can you help the families made homeless by this fire? SEVERAL families have been made homeless by the fire on Scott Street and many others will need accommodation after being forced to evacuate their homes during the demolition. These people will be provided with alternative suitable housing, as well as any other support they need at this difficult time. To assist with the rehousing effort, the Council is asking any local landlords or AirBnB owners to get in touch with us if they have accommodation that is currently available. They can contact our Housing Team by emailing privatesectoraccess@ Councillor Drysdale added: 'The people of Perth and local businesses have responded to this sad event with huge compassion and generosity. It has been heartening to see our local community pull together to help people at their time of greatest need. 'We would appreciate everyone's ongoing co-operation and understanding as we deal with this difficult situation. 'We understand that the disruption to the city centre will bring frustrations, but we are committed to completing the work as soon as we can and most importantly, to continue support for the people and businesses who have been directly affected by the fire. 'I would once again like to pay tribute to our emergency services for their continued excellent response to this incident, as well as to the wide range of Council and Health and Social Care Partnership staff who rose to a significant challenge over the weekend to provide all the support and help that they could. "I also want to pass on my sincere gratitude to the staff at the Salutation Hotel and Red Cross volunteers, who have been superb in working with us to make sure that people affected had the care they needed in the aftermath of the fire.'
