Council Response to Fatal Perth Fire
Perth and Kinross Council is expected to incur costs of approximately £2.6 million in response to a fatal fire in Perth that resulted in the closure of a city centre junction for eight months.
The fire, which occurred in Scott Street last June, led to the death of a man and hospitalisation of two others, including an eight-year-old girl and a 27-year-old man.
The blaze destroyed several flats as well as The Royal Bar pub.
The final financial implications for the council are scheduled to be presented to its finance and resources committee in June.
Following the fire, fifty-five households were rehoused due to damage that rendered neighbouring buildings unsafe.
A chihuahua puppy named Vilo was also rescued from the building, having survived nearly two weeks in the burnt-out tenement.
Demolition work, which required careful brick-by-brick removal, was completed in December.
The junction affected by the fire reopened in February.
The majority of the council's expenditure relates to demolition and street reinstatement.
Financial Update Provided to Councillors
Scott Walker, the council's chief financial officer, provided an update to councillors on Monday.
"The council has incurred around £2.3m in 2025/26, responding to the incident, with a further £300,000 expected post-April 2026."
"Based on interim invoices issued, insurance recoveries that we're aware of, Scottish Government support and the council's previous commitment, there is no anticipated further impact on the council's unearmarked reserves in 2025/26 arising from the incident."
The financial report indicates that the council's response costs are largely covered by insurance and government support, mitigating further impact on its reserves.
Story by local democracy reporter Kathryn Anderson
