Fire at Scott Street, Perth

"I would like to send sincere condolences to the family and friends of the man who has tragically lost his life in this incident. My thoughts are also with all the other people who have been affected by this very serious fire. 

"I wish to praise the significant immediate response from all the First Responders and especially our brave firefighters who hurried towards this major fire and put their lives at risk to rescue occupants from the building and tackle the blaze. National resources have been deployed including a dedicated height appliance which has been central to our brave firefighters' efforts.  

"Following the evacuation of all flats in the affected building and neighbouring properties in the early hours of Saturday, a rest centre was set up at the Salutation Hotel. Staff from our Housing Service, Perth and Kinross Health and Social Care Partnership and our social work teams have been in attendance at the hotel since the incident to give any support and practical help that we can. 

"Importantly, we are working to make sure that everyone who has been displaced has suitable alternative accommodation in place. People have also been given food, hot drinks, clothes, replacement medication, nappies, baby milk, pay-as-you-go phones, toiletries, toys and help with their pets. 

"A large-scale Red Cross team also attended this afternoon to provide further support for anyone that needed it, backing up the Council and HSCP effort through the night and day. 

"I would like to thank everyone who has helped in the effort to support the householders, including our staff, volunteers and staff at the Salutation Hotel, and we will continue to do all we can to support people affected by the fire. What has been heartening to see at this sad time was the immediate practical support donated by local businesses and charities, from clothing to food and toiletries, and even a brand-new pram for one of the youngest children affected by this incident. 

"Finally, I would also like to thank the people of Perth and local businesses for their patience and understanding as some unavoidable disruption continues in the city centre."  

Following the fire at Scott Street, Perth city centre roads will continue to be affected on Sunday 15th June.  

Emergency services will remain on scene, and Scott Street and South Street will stay closed to traffic and pedestrians. 

Detours and signage have been put in place around Perth city centre to provide guidance for drivers. Motorists and pedestrians should continue to avoid the area if possible.  

Perth and Kinross Council will also continue to provide a range of support for people affected by the fire.