An Aberdeenshire craftsman whose business was devastated by a huge blaze last week is searching for a new workshop as he strives to get back to work.
Graeme Winram, owner of Lethenty Cabinetmakers – which was housed at the fire-hit Lethenty Mill, north of Inverurie – yesterday said he was “determined to get up and running”.
More than 50 firefighters battled the blaze at the site last Thursday, with investigations into the cause of the fire ongoing.
Although the workshop at Mr Winram’s business – which produces bespoke furniture and kitchens – was destroyed to the tune of thousands of pounds, much of the machinery on its first floor can be saved.
Now the father-of-two is appealing for help in finding a new home for Lethenty Cabinetmakers as he and his team of four workers look to get back to work on a number of projects.
Mr Winram, 49, said: “When we first got access to the building, we could see that some of our workshop area was totally destroyed, but there were parts of it where some of our machinery and timber would be perhaps salvageable.
“It was clear it would be unlikely we’d be making furniture in this building again.
“It was good to see there was something recoverable. We have about six months of work lined up and the number one priority is getting a home for ourselves.
“All the stocks of timber we had outside air drying were okay – they are precious to me because they are very special trees. I’d have been even more heartbroken if we had lost them.”
He explained that the ideal new workplace would be located within the Garioch area – namely Inverurie, Oldmeldrum, Kemnay or Kintore – and have 8,000sq ft of floor space.
He said: “That is our home. We have so many friends and clients here it is where we belong. We would probably be prepared to move further.”
Among the other businesses hit by the fire were Cinecosse, Nina’s Apartment, Lethenty Mill Furniture, Joss Engineering and Jim King Autotune.
Mr Winram explained that a “cute” or “traditional” building, similar to what they had at Lethenty Mill would be “ideal”.
He said: “We would really like a building in a rural setting that would be pleasant for our clients to come and visit. A big industrial shed on an industrial estate wouldn’t be the right thing. Although we can’t be too choosy.”
He added a facility which also included three-phase power and a yard would be a plus.
Mr Winram also paid tribute to the local community which has supported Lethenty Cabinetmakers since the fire.
He said: “It is very like the floods in Ballater. I feel overwhelmed with the kindness I have been shown. I’d like to say thank you to the people that have been in touch.
“All of us absolutely love what we do and it is part of our life and I loved being part of the community and all the different businesses that worked here.
“Maybe, in my future location, we can create something similar.”