02-07-2025
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.'
