Auctioneers blaze started deliberately
But business owner vows to return
The auction house was burnt to a cinder Picture by Angus Findlay A fire that wrecked an auctioneers at Perth Airport last week was started deliberately, detectives say.
Firefighters rushed to Ian M Smith Auctioneers and Valuers minutes after midnight on Friday morning but were unable to save a salesroom.
Investigators now reckon it was set alight.
It is understood fire crews had to fight the flames for around five hours that morning and while there were no casualties owner Ian Smith said later around 1,100 lots which were to be sold later that day were also destroyed.
Speaking on social media on Sunday Mr Smith thanked friends and well-wishers who had offered kind words of support and encouragement over the weekend adding he hoped sales could start again in just a few weeks.
“I am really gutted for the loss of items that were personal to people in so many ways and there were so many good things in the sale - I am so sorry they have been destroyed,” he said.
“We will be doing everything that we can to make sure that no one loses out on the value of items entered for sale as we have photographs and can value all lots in the sale and will do everything we can to recompense everyone although ... the loss of a lot of really interesting and beautiful items saddens me greatly.
“To be honest I am really gutted by what has happened. Looking forward we have plans in place to be fully operational within the next two weeks thanks to the support of Morris Leslie for new premises and office facilities.”
Perth and Kinross Provost and Conservative councillor Dennis Melloy, whose party’s regional offices are based at Perth Airport, commented: “I was shocked and saddened to hear about the fire at the auction house at Scone Airport. It is a great relief that there has been no loss of life or serious injuries.
“My sympathies are with those people who have lost goods which were due to be auctioned [on Friday], and the impact this may have on the auction company themselves.
“I would like to pay tribute to the excellent work by our local fire services who were able to contain the blaze, and prevent this from spreading to neighbouring houses and the Sky Motel.
“Without their quick response this could have been a very different story.”
Police Scotland is now asking people who noticed any suspicious activity around the auctioneers between Thursday and Friday to report it by calling 101.
I am really gutted for the loss of items that were personal to people in so many ways