Man killed in second fatal island house fire

Blaze: Deaths within week come as shock to community

A man has died in a house fire on South Uist – the second fatal blaze to hit the island in less than a week.

The man, who was in his 80s, was found dead in a house in the Kildonan area of the island after a fire on Wednesday evening.

The death comes just days after Morag Ann Macdonald, also in her 80s, died in a fire at her house in the village of Garrynamonie on South Uist.

A local councillor said the deaths had rocked the island community – saying “doom and gloom” had settled on South Uist.

The latest blaze broke out at about 5.40pm on Wednesday in the Kildonan area of the island.

Firefighters from Loch bois dale and Ben be cul a brought the blaze under control quickly but could not save the man, who was the only occupant of the house at the time.

It is understood that he is a relative of a couple who recently bought the house after moving to the island.

The fire is currently being treated as “unexplained” and an investigation is ongoing to establish the cause.

Councillor Donnie Steele said: “It’s an absolute shock, especially after it happened just sixdays after the last house fire.

“It’s a real blow to the community and I’m sure we will all do whatever we can to support the family.”

Fellow Uist councillor David Blaney added: “It’s doom and gloom on Uist. It has hit the community very hard.

“One would be bad enough but two is dreadful.”

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “Firefighters were alerted to a dwelling fire in Kildonan, South Uist, at 5.40pm on Wednesday, February 15.

“Two fire appliances from Benbecula and one from Lochboisdale were mobilised and the fire was extinguished.

“Sadly a man, who was the only person within the property, died.

“The last crew left the scene at 9.10pm after ensuring the area was made safe.

“An investigation will be carried out in due course to establish the source of the fire.”

Police confirmed that the victim’s next of kin has been informed.

A spokeswoman added: “The cause of the fire is unexplained at this time and police inquiries remain ongoing.”

The incident follows closely after the death of Uist woman Morag Ann Macdonald who lived alone at Garrynamonie. Her funeral was held yesterday.

“One would be bad enough but two is dreadful”