Nairn community comes together in help of families hit by Harbour Street blaze
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THE community has rallied to support the eight families who lost their homes in the devastating fire which destroyed a block of flats near Nairn harbour.
Two crowdfunding pages had raised almost £13,000 between them by the start of this week, to help those affected by the blaze which destroyed the flats in Harbour Street on Friday.
Fencing was still in place around the site yesterday, with an inspection due to be carried out as the Courier went to press.
At its height the blaze was battled by crews from Nairn, Forres, Inverness, Elgin, Huntly and Aberdeen but thankfully there were no casualties and local councillors praised the outpouring of compassion and practical help shown for all those affected by the fire.
Nairn Provost Laurie Fraser said: “It’s great to see so many donations coming in, it really shows a great community spirit in Nairn.”
And Councillor Barbara Jarvie, who represents the Nairn and Cawdor ward, hailed the “instant compassion” of those coming forward to help.
“The caring people of Nairn leapt into action with such speed,” she said.
“A couple of fundraisers were going round soon after the fire and people were really quick to respond. It’s so thoughtful and shows that Nairn is the place to be – it has fabulous locals.”
Businesses and community groups have also come out to help, with the Boath House hotel offering free accommodation to those who had lost their homes, and the Nairn Legion offering its lounge as a “welcome meeting place” for fire-hit residents looking for support.
Nairn County Football Club announced it will be holding a bucket collection at its first Highland League home game of the season against Brora Rangers at Station Park on Saturday, July 29 – for which they will also be giving free tickets to the families affected and the local fire service.
Club secretary Ian Finlayson said: “Nairn is our community and we hope this helps a little after such an appalling event.”
Two online fundraisers have been set up – one on Go Fund Me created by Jenny Fountain and a second on Just Giving created by Lindsay Crichton.
Keith Bowler, who donated £300 on Jenny Fountain’s page, said: “My friend was one of eight families that lost everything in that fire. She thankfully came out unharmed but all she owns now is what she walked out with – her dressing gown, slippers, pyjamas and her phone.
“Please keep giving generously to help all who have lost everything. Thank you Jenny for kicking this off, let’s hit that target and more.”
People willing to donate can do so at gofundme.com/f/flat-fire-help and justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lindsay-crichton.
The Sundancer restaurant near the site of the fire was closed in the aftermath of the blaze and reopened just today and the Nairn Sailing Club had to cancel the open day planned for Saturday, June 17.
More updates on this can be obtained by contacting the club.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 1.25pm on Friday, June 9, police were called to a report of a fire at a block of flats in Harbour Street, Nairn.
“Officers attended to assist Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
“No one was injured however occupants were evacuated and found alternative accommodation.
“A cordon remains in place on Harbour Street.”
A spokesperson for Highland Council confirmed that works to make the area safer were planned to start today.
They said: “A contractor has been appointed to commence the removal of some areas of blockwork and roof timbers to take away the risk of debris and masonry falling onto the footpath and road below.
“The contractor was scheduled to commence operations this morning.”
