The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Victim of kitchen fire at sheltered flat named
Tragedy: Resident who died aged 86
A pensioner who died after a fire broke out at a sheltered housing complex has been named by police.
Elsie Riddell, 86, was a resident of the council-run Netherdavah House housing site in the Golf Crescent area of Inverurie.
Investigations are still being carried out into the cause of the fire which broke out at about 5.30pm on Wednesday in the kitchen of her one-bedroom flat.
Ms Riddell was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, where she later died as a result of her injuries.
Detective inspector Stewart Drummond, who is leading the inquiries, said: “An investigation into the cause of the fire is still ongoing, however there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances.
“A report will be sent to the procurator fiscal in due course.
“Our thoughts are with Elsie’s family at this very sad time.”
Operated by Aberdeenshire council, Netherdavah House has 12 one-bedroom and one two-bedroom self- contained flats, and 48 linked bungalows.
All of the properties are connected to a community alarm system.
The council’s head of housing, Rob Simpson, said: “It is with the deepest sadness that we learned of the death of a resident in one of our sheltered housing complexes.
“Of course, the circumstances will be the subject of a full investigation which will need to run its course before we can comment further on what happened.
“Our thoughts are with the individual’s family and all who knew her.”
The fire started in the kitchen of Ms Riddell’s flat, and was quickly extinguished after emergency services arrived.
Detectives, uniformed officers and a fire investigation unit were at the scene for several hours.
Councillor for Inverurie and district, Judy Whyte, last night said: “This is sad news, I’m sure I speak for the whole community in saying our thoughts are with the family and friends as well as neighbours and carers of the lady who has so tragically died.
“I send my deepest condolences,” added the councillor. A group of young footballers have been kitted out for success thanks to a local businessman.
At the beginning of the season Formartine Utd under-14s had three players and no kit.
Now the team boasts 17 players, a new coaching team, new strips and eighth place in the league.
The kits, as well as tracksuit tops and rain jackets, came thanks to John Aitken, owner of Lifting Equipment Rental, whose grandson is in the squad.
Coach Michael Brown said yesterday the team now has a bright future.
He said: “After a chal- lenging start to the season, the squad is in a fantastic position.
“They are a great bunch of lads and it is a pleasure training them twice a week and seeing them compete every Sunday.
“The only disappointment was that they had no real kit to speak of and, in this tough economic climate, it was a big ask to find a sponsor.
Mr Aitken said: “The coaches and players have really fought against the odds to transform themselves into such a credible and talented team in such a short time.
“It really struck me that they deserved some support where it was due, so it seemed only natural to help out.”
“There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances”