Thousands raised for neighbours who 'lost everything' in Keith house fire

Thousands has been raised to help those affected by a house fire that has destroyed two properties in Moray.

Emergency services were called to Regent Street in Keith around 9am on Monday following reports of a fire affecting two homes on the street.

Eight fire engines were sent to the scene and the blaze was brought under control with no injuries reported.

A fundraiser has been launched by a local resident in a bid to help those who have lost their homes.

Organiser Taylor Stirling said a 73-year-old widow and her neighbour, a single mum of three, have “lost everything”.

“Belongings, Christmas presents, memories of lost loved ones and even a pet were lost as a result to this”, Taylor said.

“Dorothy being a 73-year-old widow who has now lost everything. Unfortunately to both these families many of these things were sadly irreplaceable.

“We are coming up to Christmas fast and now and these families are without a home and a very large majority of their belongings nevermind also now needing to find a new property or pay a huge sum of money for the properties to be restored.

“If you can give anything to help these families at the most heartbreaking and difficult time please do.”

So far, over £5,000 has been raised for the two women.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 9.11am on Monday, August 19 to reports of a fire affecting two residential properties on Regent Street in Keith, Moray.

“Operations Control immediately mobilised eight fire appliances to the scene.

“There were no casualties, and crews have now left the scene after ensuring the area was safe.”

A link to the GoFundMe page can be found here.