Fire victim Joe will be missed, says MP

A man has died in a third fatal fire in the Western Isles in the space of six weeks.

The latest victim was Joe MacNeil, 51, who died at his home in St Barrs Crescent, Northbay, on Barra early yesterday morning. Hewas single and lived alone.

Police Inspector Roddy Mackay said: “Ajoint investigation with the fire service will be carried out. Inquiries are at a very early stage.”

There were warm tributes from prominent local people as news of the tragedy spread.

Western Isles MP Angus MacNeil knew him well, working with him some years ago. He said: “Joe was a nice guy. He’ll be sorely missed by many of the islanders who’ll be shocked at what’s happened. Thirty years ago we were labourers in a quarry, it was a summer job for me. Joe was an absolutely amazing worker, very strong. Hewas single and had three brothers and two sisters.”

Joe MacNeil is also survived by his mother, who was too upset to speak yesterday.

Jessie MacNeil, a friend of Joe MacNeil’s for many years, described him as “a kind and caring person”.

The Barra tragedy follows a spate of fatal fires in the north – with each of the victims living alone.

Most recently, on March 6, Edith Allan, 65, perished in a blaze that destroyed her croft home at Sango more, Durness, in Sutherland.

On February 15, South Uist pensioner William Hanks, 83, was found dead after a fire in the Kildonan area.

Six days earlier, Morag Ann Macdonald, who was also in her 80s, died in a fire at herhomein the village of Garrynamonie, also on South Uist.

Local senior fire officer Fraser Burr said: “Everyone within the service is committed to doing all they can to prevent such incidents from occurring. A key part of our strategy is home fire safety visits which are free of charge. I urge the public to check on their neighbours, friends and relatives and let us know if they are in need of this support.”