Work ongoing to ensure safety of Inverness building where man died in fire
Work is ongoing to ensure an Inverness building where a man died in a fire almost two weeks ago is made safe.
Andy Adams lost his life following the blaze in a flat above a row of shops in Tomatin Road, Hilton, in the early hours of July 11.
Highland Council said it is working to ensure the building is made safe for repair work to be carried out.
Police officers carrying out inquiries into the fire have yet to gain access to the building due to structural issues.
Police officers unable to access Inverness building where man died in fire
Five fire crews spent five hours putting out the blaze after being called to the scene along with other emergency services just after 2am.
Several residents had to be evacuated and the fire's location also impacted on several businesses in the same block.
A Highland Council spokesperson said: “The council is working to ensure the building is made safe for repair works to be carried out.
“Surveys of the individual flats and shops are ongoing with the priority being structural, electrical and fire safety and the safe reconnection of utility services.
“Officers continue to assist council tenants and private residents with housing support, advice, and alternative accommodation.
“Shop tenants are regularly updated on when it will be safe to reopen.”
Mr Adams was a former director of Blend Tea & Coffee Merchants in Drummond Street. He and his former life and business partner, Gemma Taylor, had a daughter, Rebecca.
He was also a former player with the Highland Wildcats which at the weekend held a minute’s silence in his memory at the start of a Scottish Championship tournament.
