Provost welcomes hostel fire evacuees

Councillor Alex Graham, Provost of the City of Inverness Area, today (Friday) invited some of the backpackers who lost vital documentation in Tuesday’s fire at the Eastgate Hostel to the Town House to cheer up their spirits.

15 of the 51 residents required accommodation until they are able to resolve their travel issues.

10 were able to attend the small reception.

They were joined by representatives of the British Red Cross, who staffed the emergency reception centre at the Spectrum Centre in Inverness, Council housing staff who arranged and paid for their emergency accommodation, and staff at the Scottish Youth Hostel Association premises at Millburn, where they are currently staying.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle added their hospitality by providing tickets for tonight’s SPL game with St Johnstone.

Most of the backpackers hope to be able to make their way home within the next few days.