Tributes have been paid to a 24-year-old north-east man who was killed in a blaze at his flat.
Daniel Reid died when a fire broke out in his flat in Macduff’s Newton Drive in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
More than 40 firefighters from across the north-east battled for several hours to douse the flames which devastated the block, which is used as temporary accommodation by Aberdeenshire Council.
Despite the best efforts of the fire crews who pulled Mr Reid from his home, police later confirmed the 24-year-old had died.
Last night community leaders and local people paid tribute to the victim of the tragic fire.
Aberdeenshire councillor Hamish Partridge said the condolences of the whole community were with the Reid family.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, and with everyone involved,” he said. “Fires can be devastating in any town and so much worse when a life is lost.”
The property where the blaze broke out is temporary accommodation managed by Aberdeenshire Council. The local authority has been working to find alternative residences for affected families while investigations continue.
Mr Partridge added: “We now need to get on and look at the building and what we can do to get it improved and into a liveable condition.
“The next steps are to get in and assess the damage internally and structurally. There are no indications of the timescales will be.”
The local authority’s director of communities – Ritchie Johnson – echoed the councillor’s comments. He said: “We would like to offer our condolences to the friends and family of the man who died as a result of the tragic fire in Macduff.
“Our thanks go to the emergency services who showed their usual professionalism and bravery in tackling the fire and rescuing people from the building.”
Chelsea Boyd and her mum Helen were among the residents rescued from the building. Last night Miss Boyd said: “It was horrendous. We bumped into Daniel now and then in the building. We
didn’t know him personally, we just saw him walking by but he seemed really nice.”
Another neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: “I saw the flashing lights and the smoke. Now there’s just so much speculation.
“Anybody’s death is tragic but this just seems so sad.”
A police spokeswoman has confirmed that a joint investigation into the cause of the blaze with the fire service is ongoing.
The family of Daniel Reid spoke of their loss:
“We are devastated with the loss of Daniel who was a much loved son, brother, grandson and nephew.
“We ask that we are now left in peace to come to terms with what has happened.”
Chief Inspector for Aberdeenshire North Elaine Logue said: “Our thoughts and wishes are with Daniel’s family at this difficult time.
“Tragic incidents like this are rare in Aberdeenshire and we are continuing to work with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to establish the full circumstances.
“We thank the public for their support and ask that anyone with information come forward and contact Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”