The first residents allowed to return to their evacuated Scott Street homes almost two weeks after a fatal fire ripped through a flat block have described themselves as “the lucky ones”.
Residents of 15 flats at 36 Scott Street, directly opposite the building that was destroyed, were finally back in their homes on Thursday evening.
The tragic fire took the life of one resident and another four were taken to hospital.
Now, those returning to their Perth flats have spoken out about the ordeal they faced after being forced out.
Members of the group also thanked volunteers and the local authority for their support.
They are the first of around 50 families evacuated due to safety reasons who have been allowed to return.
Demolition work is expected to continue for six months to bring down the fire-ravaged building.
First Scott Street residents allowed to return home
Rachel and Anthony Meyer described their two-week evacuation as “a bit of a nightmare” but added that the support received had been “overwhelming”.
Anthony was among the first to raise the alarm in the early hours of Saturday, June 14.
He watched the building as it was engulfed in flames just yards from his window.
“I was woken by the sounds of the emergency services arriving and looked out to see a rooftop full of flames,” said Anthony.
“The whole top of the building was alight and it was just awful to witness.”
The couple, who have lived on Scott Street for almost four years, were among dozens evacuated due to burning embers threatening to ignite neigbouring properties.
“We had to book into a hotel the first night, but since then the council has placed us in several hotels,” said Anthony.
‘Overwhelming’ support
Meanwhile, Rachel said the support they had received was above and beyond anything they had expected.
“The support from Perth Council and the volunteers and orgainsations has been overwhelming, she said.
“The volunteers who made sure we had everything from clothes to meals were absolute angels.
“They even gave us all a regular morale boost when we needed it.”
Another 36 Scott Street resident, who asked not to be named, told The Courier that despite the two-week evacuation, they were the “lucky ones”.
She said: “It’s been an ordeal, but it’s also brought people closer together.
“A lovely camaraderie has built up among us.
“I’ve become good friends with neighbours in the block that I’ve never spoken to before, despite living here for over five years.
“Yes, we’ve had the upheaval for two weeks but there are others who have lost everything.
“We are the lucky ones as we can now return.
£250k financial aid for Scott Street fire victims
“A family has lost a loved one in the tragedy and others were injured.”
Councillor Eric Drysdale, deputy leader of Perth and Kinross Council, said: “The fire at Scott Street was tragic and the consequences will be felt for a long time to come.
“Council staff have been working hard to find accommodation for these people.
“Meanwhile, 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.”
Perth and Kinross Council is to provide an emergency £250,000 funding to support residents and businesses.
An investigation into what caused the fire, which left one resident dead, is still ongoing.
Police are yet to make a formal identification of the man killed in the tragedy.
Drone footage of the fire has shown the full extent of the damage caused to 41 Scott Street.
The landlord of the historic Royal Bar, which is to be demolished, has spoken of the loss of one of Perth’s most “iconic” pubs.
Conversation