A restaurateur whose business burned to the ground in front of his eyes has pledged to be back up and running within weeks.
Fire ravaged Café Aladdin’s in the city’s West Mains Avenue – one of the city’s most popular Indian takeaways – shortly before midnight on Wednesday.
Flames broke out in the roof-space, leaving the takeaway in ruins.
Fire units from across Tayside raced to the scene and neighbouring businesses praised the speed of their response, which spared their livelihoods, though Imran Mohammed and his family have been left counting the cost.
Mr Mohammed has, however, pledged that they will not be down for long and in fact moves are already being made that will see Café Aladdin’s rise from the ashes.
Residents in the city’s Western Edge woke on Thursday morning to find a cordon around the business, which had been left a charred ruin.
The exact cause of the fire is still being investigated, but Police Scotland has already decided there were no suspicious circumstances.
The smell of smoke hung heavily over the West Mains Avenue restaurant and water still poured through the front door as Mr Mohammed, locals and dismayed customers surveyed the damage.
Its roof gone and front windows blackened and punctured by the extreme heat, it was a picture of devastation.
Piles of charred debris were gathered around the exterior of the building while roof tiles, charred ceiling timbers, broken glass and other fire-damaged items littered the floor and service counters.
Mr Mohammed said: “It happened right in front of my eyes. It was devastating. A big, big tragedy.
“It looks terrible right now but we are already in talks with loss adjusters and have a team just waiting for the go-ahead.
“We won’t be missing for too long. If we get the answers we are hoping for we could even be back within eight weeks. That is the goal right now.”
Residents and customers expressed their dismay at the temporary loss of a popular business.
Emma McCulloch, 34, an HR worker from Perth, said she was shocked when she saw the damage caused by the fire.
“I walked past it and the restaurant was just a shell,” she said.
“It’s such a shame. Aladdin’s was definitely one of Perth’s best known and well-loved takeaways.
“It must have been there for around 16 years and was incredibly popular. It was always packed when you were there. I feel so sorry for the owners — they must be devastated.”
Other Perth curry-lovers took to social media sites to bemoan the loss of their favourite takeaway.
One posted “Actually can’t believe Aladdin’s has burnt down. Where am I going to get my chicken kebab from now”, while another said “Where do I get a decent curry now.”
Mr Mohammed pledged that they would not be without the business for long and urged fans to keep calling the business – with the family’s other city takeaways fulfilling orders until Aladdin’s returns.
He thanked those who had shown support.
Scottish Fire and Rescue despatched units from Perth, Auchterarder and Dundee to tackle the fire, which raged through Wednesday evening into Thursday morning.
Staff at next door Louis T’Ney Hair and Beauty – open for business as usual – said the fire breaks between the two units had served them well and praised firefighters from extinguishing the flames so quickly.
