Latest news with #EricDrysdale
BBC News
8 hours ago
- 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
3 days ago
- 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.'
Sky News
3 days ago
- General
- Sky News
Dozens to be rehomed and building earmarked for demolition after fatal Perth fire
Dozens of families are to be rehomed and a four-storey building demolished following a fatal fire in Perth. A man was pronounced dead at the scene after emergency crews were called to the blaze on the corner of Scott Street and South Street during the early hours of Saturday. An eight-year-old girl and 27-year-old man were taken to hospital for treatment, while two firefighters also received medical attention after sustaining injuries. Perth and Kinross Council told Sky News the local authority is looking to accommodate around 50 families in the aftermath of the fire. Eric Drysdale, deputy leader of the council, said structural engineers have deemed the entire building unsafe and unsalvageable. The councillor said: "As things stand, the building is a serious risk to health and safety. Unfortunately, this means that the whole building will require complete demolition." The work is expected to take around 24 weeks for completion. Councillor Drysdale added: "But it is possible that it could be concluded earlier if there are no complications." A number of neighbours in surrounding properties have also been asked to vacate during the building works to ensure their safety. The council said it is seeking support from local landlords and Airbnb owners to help provide alternative housing for those affected. While it is expected some householders will be able to move back into their homes after 16 weeks once the building is brought down to a safe height, others who live in an adjacent block will have to be rehoused for the entire duration of the works. Others who live further away from the fire site but are still inside the cordon will be allowed back into their homes "soon", according to the council. Pedestrian and traffic access to parts of Scott Street and South Street will also be closed off during the works, which the council accepts will cause "significant disruption" in the city centre. The local authority said buses will be re-routed, with temporary stops put in place. It has also pledged to support businesses affected by the road closures. 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 cooperation and understanding as we deal with this difficult situation." Meantime, a joint investigation launched by Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) continues. A temporary airspace restriction - which includes drones - has been implemented across the area until 1pm on Wednesday. Chief Superintendent Nicola Russell, divisional commander for Tayside, said enquiries remain ongoing to establish the cause of the fire.
Daily Record
02-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Feedback on visitor levy proposal could help shape Perth and Kinross' tourism policy
In 2023 tourism generated £641 million for the Perth and Kinross economy A Strathearn ward councillor believes feedback on whether or not to introduce a visitor levy should help determine a future tourism policy for Perth and Kinross. Latest figures show that in 2023, 2.3 million people visited the picturesque county, generating £641 million for the local economy and supporting around 8,200 full-time jobs. On Wednesday, May 28 the council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee met to consider a "bold and ambitious" Perth and Kinross Tourism Strategy and Action Plan 2025-2030. The five-year strategy focuses on four key areas: destination marketing to attract visitors from all over the world to Perth and Kinross; investment and infrastructure; market development and internationalisation, and industry growth and resilience. Endorsing the latest draft of the plan, the committee's convener Eric Drysdale said: "It sets out a bold and ambitious vision for the future of tourism in Perth and Kinross." Pointing to the strategy's four key aims, Cllr Drysdale said: "Together these priorities aim to increase our visitor numbers, attract inward investment and support our local businesses to grow, create jobs and thrive." As part of the strategy, Perth and Kinross Council (PKC) is considering introducing a visitor levy, alongside other potential sources of investment. In February 2025, PKC's Economy and Infrastructure Committee agreed for the local authority to begin seeking the views of local businesses and residents on the possible introduction of a tourist tax. The feedback gathered will be put in a report which will go before councillors in December 2025. Elected members will then be asked to vote on whether or not to proceed with introducing the scheme. At Wednesday's meeting, Strathearn ward SNP councillor Stewart Donaldson said: "There's going to be very extensive engagement on that front before the report comes to council in December. "And then consultation, and then after that quite a lengthy implementation period. And whatever some people's views might be, I think that very exercise in itself might be helpful to us in determining a future tourism policy for Perth and Kinross." The strategy was developed by Perthshire Tourism Partnership which was established in 2005. The partnership brings together businesses, local tourism associations, groups and public sector organisations including Perth and Kinross Council from across the area. However, at Wednesday's meeting, Cllr Donaldson highlighted a "dearth" of input from West Perthshire (Strathallan and Strathearn wards), which houses two of Perth and Kinross' largest hotels - Gleneagles and Crieff Hydro. Economic Development Officer Suzanne Cumiskey - who wrote the report on the strategy - said it was a "valid point" and acknowledged there were "gaps" due to some local tourist associations, including Crieff's, having disbanded. She added: "Where there is a gap, we do have industry reps for the area and we have tried to speak to individual businesses or collectives. We're conscious there is a gap there at the moment, one that we're hoping to close." In a statement issued by Perth and Kinross Council, Perthshire Tourism Partnership chairman David Smythe said: "I thank Perthshire Tourism Partnership members and the tourism industry leaders who all contributed to shaping the new Tourism Strategy, which sets a clear path forward for this economically vital sector in Perth and Kinross. "Getting the tourism balance right through sustainable growth and focusing on the key themes is important to help keep our communities vibrant as they embrace the opportunities visitors bring to our lovely part of Scotland."
The Courier
30-05-2025
- Business
- The Courier
Perth and Kinross Council expenses: What did your councillor claim last year?
Perth and Kinross councillors ran up a £32,000 expenses bill last year. Councillors can claim for travel and other costs connected to their official duties. The 2024-2025 total was shared between the 40 serving members, and two former councillors. The highest expenses total – £4,750.50 – went to Perth and Kinross Provost Xander McDade. The council's SNP deputy leader Eric Drysdale did not claim a penny. Nor did independent councillor Colin Stewart and Conservative Crawford Reid, one of the two who stepped down last year, sparking a by-election in September. There were no overseas trips, and no claims for accommodation or meals. And only one payment was made in connection with training and conferences – £475 for Liberal Democrat licensing board convener Peter Barrett. Perth and Kinross Council leader Grant Laing's expenses amounted to £504.90 for the year. The SNP councillor says that mostly paid for travel to an event in London, where he was pitching for investment in Perth. And he puts his comparatively low claim down to public transport and advancing years. 'I'm in the office 95% of the time and I travel by bus,' Mr Laing told The Courier. 'I'm fortunate with the bus service where I stay. And I use my bus pass. I'm 63. 'It's not just that it's free,' he added. 'People will sit down and speak to you on the bus. You get a good sense of what's happening on the ground.' Provost Xander McDade attends a large number of events in his role as the civic head of Perth and Kinross. As an independent councillor in the Highland ward, he also has further to travel than other members. However, his £4,750.50 expenses compare favourably to his predecessor's. The oldest breakdown of councillors' expenses on the Perth and Kinross Council website is for 2018-19 when then provost Dennis Melloy totalled £18,951.50. Ten other councillors ran up expenses running into thousands of pounds last year. They include John Duff, another Highland ward councillor and leader of the opposition Tory group, whose expenses came to £3,264.60. The total bill for Perth and Kinross councillors' salaries and allowances amounted to £1,007,533.29 in 2024-25.
