North Street in Elgin reopens two years after 'deliberate' blaze at Poundland store

A street has reopened two years after a devastating blaze took hold of a Poundland store in Moray.

North Street in Elgin was first closed in 2018 for reconstruction works and faced a number of setbacks including the fire on August 12, 2022.

Nine engines, around 45 fire-fighters and a height appliance were sent to the scene of the blaze.

A 15-year-old boy was later charged in connection with the fire.

Almost six years after the street originally closed, it is now due to reopen to the public from Monday.

Moray Council confirmed the street will reopen on August 5 following the completion of works at the Poundland store.

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The blaze on Elgin’s High Street took fire crews six hours to extinguish and resulted in the closure of several businesses.

They said that the public should be aware that road use, priorities and restrictions in the area will return to what they were before the closure in 2018.

Chair of Moray Council’s economic development and infrastructure services committee, councillor Marc Macrae, thanked the community for their patience.

He acknowledged the issues of increased traffic on Batchen Street and The Plainstone and urged people in the area to adhere to the no entry aspects.

“I’d also like to congratulate Poundland on their efforts to rejuvenate a magnificent looking building in the heart of Elgin.

He added: “It really gives the town centre a boost and shows what we can aspire to in town centres across Moray.

“I thank them for their continued interest and investment in Elgin and look forward to seeing them trading from their beautiful building once again.”

Ben Wall, Poundland property director, added: “We know the extensive renovation and restoration has been challenging for our neighbours and we’d like to thank them for their patience as we’ve worked to restore this iconic Elgin building.”