High-rise occupants in Aberdeen have met with Housing Minister Kevin Stewart to discuss steps being taken to ensure their safety.
In the wake of the Grenfell tragedy, new legislation to reduce fire fatalities was announced by the Scottish Government yesterday.
It means every home in the country must have a heat alarm fitted in the kitchen, and a smoke alarm in circulation spaces such as hallways as landings. These will be interlinked, so they can be heard throughout the building.
At a meeting with Aberdeen residents of Thistle Court, Mr Stewart met with occupants of the 126-flat building and reassured them that, despite a £200-a-property price tag that comes with installing the new alarms, they were well worth the price.
He said: “While we have very different systems in Scotland than England, it is important not to get complacent. One death due to fire is too many.
“Following the consultation, we have worked with people across Aberdeen to ensure everyone is offered the same level of protection.
“Although the standards come into force in February 2021, we hope most people will recognise the additional safety benefits and take action sooner.”
Mr Stewart met with Thistle Court residents Leonora Montgomery, Mary McMann and John McMann to discuss how new legislation will impact them and their neighbours.
Ms Montgomery, who has lived in the building since it was built 43 years ago, is a member of the Regional Tenants Network, which met with Mr Stewart during the consultation period for the new legislation.
She said: “I met with the Housing Minister in Parliament, with one other Aberdeen representative, to discuss concerns of residents.
“We just want reassurance we are safe in the wake of what happened in Grenfell, even though the council and Government were very quick of the mark following the tragedy.”
Under the Scottish Government’s new legislation, it will be the responsibility of the home owner or landlord to ensure the fire and smoke alarm standards are met.
Bruce Farquharson, an officer with the Scottish Fire Service, also met with residents and the Housing Minister, and stressed the importance of the new legislation.
He said: “We have seen a drop in residential fires of 60% over the last twenty years, and a drop of 50% in fire-related deaths – and alarms are responsible for this, as well as people having less open fires, smoking on the decrease and improved awareness.
“We are carrying out around 7,000 inspections in Aberdeen his year, and firefighters have been specially briefed when it comes to what to do in the situation a fire does occur in a high rise building.
“They are visiting properties to get to know different layouts, to impart advice and to reassure residents.”