Devastating fire prompts ‘incredible’ community response

Donations for people affected by last week’s devastating fire in Perth are pouring into The Salvation Army after the church and charity assumed a recovery role from Perth & Kinross Council and The Salutation Hotel. 

The Salvation Army’s headquarters in South Street is just a few hundred yards from the scene of the fatal fire, which started during the night on Saturday 14 June. Around 40 people were evacuated to the nearby Salutation Hotel, initially also a drop-off point for donations, before The Salvation Army offered to step in on Thursday last week. 

Majors Miriam and David Wing lead The Salvation Army in Perth and have been working with volunteers to sort through hundreds of items of clothing, shoes, toiletries, books and even pet products donated by people in the city. 

Miriam said: “This tragic incident has shocked the community, and our prayers are with the families of those affected by the fire. However, the way the people of Perth have responded has been nothing short of amazing. Donations started coming in immediately following the fire. These initially went to the Salutation Hotel, which really stepped up to help.  

“We offered the council our premises to allow the hotel to get back to normal, plus we have two charity shops in Perth where donations can be stored – one at our South Street church plus the large furniture and clothes store on Glasgow Road.”  

David says he has been impressed by the wide range of donations received, which have included items for pets.  

He said: “With the natural focus on people’s welfare, pets can be overlooked in a crisis. The residents of Perth have been thinking hard about what might be required and items for dogs and cats have been included in donations such as food bowls, baskets and beds, even pet food. The response has been incredible.” 

As time goes on, The Salvation Army is planning for a point when those evacuated are rehoused and larger items of furniture and household goods will be needed. It is asking for donations of unwanted beds, bedding and furniture. Salvation Army staff are happy to collect from homes in Perthshire.  

Miriam Wing added: “Many people will be relocated and that could be coming up to Christmas. Others who are allowed back to their homes might have to replace furniture and belongings damaged by smoke or water. Our Glasgow Road furniture shop accepts all types of white goods and soft furnishings providing they have the appropriate safety labels. We are asking local people to help us provide for those whose lives have been turned upside down by this devastating fire and will happily collect items by arrangement at no cost.” 

This coming Saturday (28 June 2025) at 6:30pm The Salvation Army is hosting a summer concert at 77 South St, Perth. Tickets are priced £3.00 but anyone evacuated from their home to local hotels because of the fire is invited to attend free of charge with friends and family. For more information telephone The Salvation Army on 01738 440090 or email perth@salvationarmy.org.uk. For the Furniture store and collections, call 01738 443562 Tuesday to Saturday.