Community rallies after takeway blaze
Premises forced to close as interior is left charred
A village community group has come out in support of a popular local takeaway after it was devastated by a blaze earlier this week.
The interior of Azaad Takeaway in Invergowrie sustained heavy fire damage during the early hours of Monday morning.
Most of the shop’s interior is charred black and it is believed the flames were caused by an electrical fault in the building.
The takeaway’s owners have been forced to temporarily close the business “with a heavy heart” following the fire.
The owners took to social media in the aftermath to thank locals and customers for their support.
A spokesperson for Azaad said: “Because of the excessive damage caused by the fire, we have had to temporarily close.
“We would like to thank everyone for their concern and well wishes and we are grateful nobody was hurt.
“We would like to thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for your continued support during these difficult times.
“We hope to see you all again soon and can’t wait to serve you once again.
“Hopefully we will be back stronger and better than before. We will try to keep you updated as best we can.
“Stay safe everyone.”
The takeaway and it owners have played a key part in the community over the last few years, including helping the Invergowrie and Kingoodie Community Group raise £6000 for sensory equipment at the local play park.
Chair of the group Louise McKenzie said: “Our group was saddened to hear of the devastating fire at Azaad on Monday morning.
“Amar and his staff have always been very involved in the community, be it by having a collection tin for our planned sensory area in the park, vouchers for raffles and auctions or inviting the children to Trick or Treat in the shop at Halloween - they are always happy to help.
“We would all like to send our best wishes and support to them at this hard time and we hope that we will see them open again as soon as is achievable.”