Convener’s tribute to fire response teams

The Convener of The Highland Council, Councillor Sandy Park, has publicly thanked everyone who played a part in the response to the fire which destroyed Culloden Court Nursing Home, Inverness, on Monday night. 

In a letter published in the Inverness Courier and Press and Journal, he wrote: “The swift and effective evacuation of 59 frail residents, many in wheelchairs, and 12 staff from a rapidly spreading fire, which ultimately destroyed the building, was hugely impressive. My thanks go to everyone who took part, including members of the community and young people who provided immediate support.

“All agencies worked extremely well together to ensure the residents were looked after until alternative care home accommodation was found. My best wishes go to residents as they adapt to their new surroundings. Voluntary agencies were quickly on the scene with the Red Cross providing immediate support to the emergency services and patient transport. The local community and young people played their part too and could not have done more to offer help and keep neighbouring residents informed of developments.

“Special thanks go to Boots for ensuring that residents received medication; to Tesco for delivering food to the reception centre and providing much-needed clothing and to Harry Gow for delivering food to the reception centre.  This support was very much appreciated. There are always lessons to be learned from a major incident like this, but this was a magnificent team effort for which I am hugely grateful.”