Inverness rallies around to help Polvanie View flat fire residents left with nothing.
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
COMMUNITY spirit is shining bright in Inverness as a fundraiser is launched to help 11 families left homeless after a ferocious blaze ripped through a block of flats.
The residents, including some young children, have been left with only the clothes on their backs and are currently staying in a mix of bed and breakfasts and homeless accommodation throughout the city.
It comes just over a week on from the fire at the city's Polvanie View which damaged the building significantly.
Emergency services found the block ablaze amid reports of concern for a person.
A 40-year-old man was taken to hospital and later arrested and charged in connection with the incident. The man was shot and the use of firearms has been referred to the police watchdog PIRC.
Now, neighbour Jillian Cumming (42) has set up a GoFundMe page online to try and raise £15,000 to be distributed among the families – many of whom have been left with nothing.
More than £350 had been raised by around lunchtime yesterday.
Jillian, who has lived in the neighbourhood for the last five years, said: “I've lived in Inverness for the last 42 years so I've grown up with some of these folk.
“I know many of them personally.
“A friend of mine had no clothes for three days after it.
“I just thought it would be nice to help them out. They've got nothing.
“Why not give something back. It's a community – Inverness.
“This is for 11 families.”
The blaze broke out around 3pm on Thursday, March 31.
It raged on through the night despite the best efforts of firefighters.
Jillian said: “Every time they stepped back from the fire it reignited.
“The communal hallway is just completely melted. So are all the curtains and furnishings.
“I know that at least some of the families won't be covered by insurance.
“There was word of the flats being demolished but they might be able to save them.
“But it's going to be a lot of work.”
All the money raised will be given to the families in the hope of rebuilding their lives and helping with short-term issues such as clothing.
The properties are believed to be part of a housing association.
Inverness MP Drew Hendry has given his backing to the neighbourly show of support and also offered his team's help for the residents.
He said: “We see just how incredible our communities are in pulling together to help others in difficult times, and I am sure folk appreciate how their neighbours have rallied around to show support.
“Getting the right help to the residents is a priority we all share, and if anyone involved needs help and haven’t already been in contact with my office, please get in touch.
“My team and I are here to help.”
Donations can be made at www.gofundme.com/f/polvanie-view-fire-fundraiser
