Perthshire auction firm rises ‘phoenix-like’ from the ashes

Return: Smith’s are back in business after arson attack with more than 1,000 lots under the hammer

A Perthshire auctioneer is delighted to see his business rise ‘phoenix-like’ from the ashes just eight weeks after it went up in flames in a believed arson attack.

On Friday, Iain M Smith Auctioneers held their very first auction at temporary premises at Perth Airport, following the devastating blaze at Perth Aerodrome, Scone, on March 9 that razed their previous site to the ground.

Emergency crews rushed to the scene of the blaze around 12.20am that day and it took firefighters around five hours to contain the fire, which totally gutted the premises, leaving it no more than a smouldering wreck.

Mr Smith said Friday’s auction had more than 1,000 lots and around 150 buyers had registered to attend. He said there had been “a lot of interest” in the event and that the atmosphere at their temporary premises was “buzzing”.

The 54-year-old is still coming to terms with the fact vandals deliberately set fire to his business – hours before an auction was due to be held. The fire destroyed not only the entire building but also the goods of around 200 vendors. Detectives have been scanning CCTV images in a bid to track down the criminals involved but have not yet found those responsible.

A police spokesperson said inquiries are continuing into the matter.

Mr Smith admitted he has had to endure a tough time since the fire.

“It has been a very busy and, at times, stressful eight weeks getting set up in our new premises, having to start from scratch replacing everything from computers and desks to display cabinets and even my glasses,” he said.

“We are all looking forward to returning to normality with our first auction since the blaze.”

He added: “It has been a very hectic eight weeks but it’s great to get up and running in less than two months.

“We have more than 1,000 lots at this auction with around 150 buyers registering their interest.

“There is a huge range of items up for auction, including a lamp dating back to the Second World War, rugs and a selection of jewellery.

“There has been lots of interest and we were mobbed on Thursday when prospective buyers attended a viewing of the goods here.”

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It’s great to get up and running in less than two months

Iain Smith reflects on a traumatic eight weeks of rebuilding after, right, the fire that destroyed his business on March 9, with police inquiries continuing in a bid to track down those responsible. Pictures: Kenny Smith and Steve Macdougall.