Kilmarnock businesses in plea for help to 'rebuild' as police investigate wilful fire

Fundraisers have been launched to help businesses that were destroyed by a fire in Kilmarnock.

Six fire engines and two specialist units battled the well-developed blaze at a four-storey building on King Street from around 9pm on Monday.

The building, which was home to Hard Luck Tattoo Studio, Sixtyone Café and Project Pop Up Scotland, has suffered an internal collapse and is expected to be demolished.

The fire is being treated as deliberate, and investigations are ongoing.

STV News spoke to the owner of Hard Luck Tattoo Studio, who said that they had “lost everything”.

Glasgow & West

Tattoo studio owners ‘lose everything’ after fire destroys four-storey building

Thousands of pounds have been raised to help Hard Luck Tattoo Studio in Kilmarnock which has been destroyed by a fire.

A GoFundMe launched for the shop’s artists has already raised over £27,000.

Other businesses have also appealed to the public for help after their livelihoods were destroyed by the blaze.

Pop Up Scotland has said that everything in the shop “has been lost” and is appealing for funds to rebuild the space.

A spokesperson said: “You will all have seen the fire on King Street, Kilmarnock on Monday, July 14, that has tragically destroyed several businesses in its wake. Project Pop Up Scotland is one of those businesses.

“We have lost everything in the shop, every piece of art, every book written by a local author.

“Every creation made by our local creators and collectors who entrusted their work to us to sell on their behalf. 21 different local crafters have been affected by the destruction this has brought to our shop.

“We are asking, if you can, please spare a donation to help us rebuild our community project. Help us provide some support to those who have lost their work. Help us rebuild our community.

“The smoke and water damage has devastated the shop, and we don’t yet know whether the building is even structurally sound.

“We need the help of our community to come back stronger than before, to help our creators be able to create again and and to be able to help make sure this doesn’t happen again.”

The fundraiser can be accessed here.

Sixtyone Cafe, described as a “cosy and welcoming café”, was also destroyed in the blaze, with the owner describing the fire as “destroying their future”.

A fundraiser explains: “Last night’s fire didn’t just take flames to bricks and mortar—it swept through my memories, my present reality, and the dreams I’d worked so hard to build for the future. Decades of tireless effort, of sacrifice, of saying no to life’s smallest luxuries just so I could say yes to one dream: opening my own café.

“Sixtyone Café wasn’t just a business. It was my story, my struggle, and a symbol of hope. It stood because this city stood with me—every kind word, every loyal customer, every helping hand gave it life.

“Now I find myself starting from ashes. And while the fire took much, it didn’t take my spirit. I’m reaching out once more, not for charity—but for solidarity. Even the smallest gesture will help rebuild what was lost. I believe in this community because you’ve helped me rise before, and I know together, we can do it again.

“With heartfelt gratitude and deep respect—thank you, always.” Donations can be made online.

Four-storey building was destroyed following a fire in Kilmarnock STV News

Police Scotland is treating the fire as deliberate and has appealed for information.

Local area commander Chief Inspector Scott McCurdy said: “This was a large fire and I would like to thank our emergency service colleagues for their help throughout the night.

“We understand the impact this fire has had on local businesses and I want to thank the public for their patience and assistance while we carry out our inquiries.

“We are treating the fire as deliberate, and our investigation is ongoing.

“I am appealing to anyone who was in the area around the time of the fire and who saw anything suspicious to contact us.”