Perth building to be demolished after fire left one dead and two in hospital

Engineers have said a building will require complete demolition after a devastating fire that left one dead and two in hospital in Perth’s city centre.

Emergency services were called to the city’s Scott Street at around 1.50am after officers spotted the fire, which took hold of a four-storey residential building, whilst patrolling the area.

A total of 12 fire appliances were on the scene dealing with structural collapses at the blaze’s height.

A man was pronounced dead at the scene.

An eight-year-old girl and a 27-year-old man were taken to hospital for treatment.

Two firefighters also sustained minor injuries and received medical attention. Around 40 residents were evacuated and taken to a respite centre at the nearby Salutation Hotel.

On Monday, Perth and Kinross deputy leader, councillor Eric Drysdale, confirmed that a structural engineering contractor was brought in to assess the damage caused to the building at 41 Scott Street.

“Their report outlined devastating damage to the whole building. The structure has been made unsafe and no part of it is salvageable. As things stand, the building is a serious risk to health and safety,” he said.

The report means the building will require “complete demolition”.

Scott Street and South Street will remain closed to pedestrians and traffic to allow work to be carried out safely. STV News

The councillor said that it is estimated the work could take around 24 weeks, but said it is possible that they could be finished earlier if there are no complications.

He added Scott Street and South Street will remain closed to pedestrians and traffic to allow for works to be carried out safely.

“We appreciate that this will cause continued significant disruption in Perth City Centre, but unfortunately, this is unavoidable given the situation we face.”

A joint investigation into the incident has been launched by Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

It is estimated that the work could take around 24 weeks. STV News

Police said a temporary airspace restriction is also in place in the Scott Street and South Street areas until 1pm on Wednesday, June 18, for security and safety.

Restrictions include drones and people must check if it is legal to fly in your area as it is a criminal offence to fly in restricted airspace.

Chief superintendent Nicola Russell, divisional commander for Tayside said: “Our thoughts remain with all those impacted by this fire.

“Our enquiries remain ongoing to establish the cause of the fire and we would like to thank the local community for their co-operation and support and officers remain in the area.

“Road closures and cordons remain in place to ensure safety and allow enquiries to be carried out.

“We are reviewing CCTV and speaking to residents and I would appeal for anyone with any information which could assist to contact us.

“Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 0380 of June 14, 2025.”