'We are devastated by what has happened here today – we will help in any way we can'; Community rallies round after Invergordon primary blaze
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SCHOOLS and well-wishers in Ross-shire are rallying round pupils and staff whose primary was ravaged by fire.
A blaze that ripped through Park Primary in Invergordon is believe to have been started by an old laptop computer, though investigations are still ongoing.
Temporary arrangements are being put in place for pupils and staff who are expected to make use of Invergordon Academy as a stopgap measure.
Meanwhile messages and offers of support have been flooding in.
David Hayes-Macleod, the head teacher of neighbouring Invergordon school, South Lodge Primary, took to social media to say: "All of us here at South Lodge just want to show massive support to our friends at Park Primary over the awful incident today. We are so glad that everyone got out safe and well. I went over to the Academy as soon as I heard to help out as much as I could and I know our help will be very much needed over the next few days. Please do support all the children and staff at this difficult time and we send so much love."
Mhairi Stirling, chairwoman of the Parent Council at South Lodge, said: "Today’s news of the fire which destroyed your school saddened us all. Everyone in the town will have a memory of Park school and some of us still have connections there.
"We are so thankful there were no casualties and praise the staff for the prompt exit with children. We send our children to school and into the safe, competent hands of teachers and staff and today showed us that children are their priority.We support you all with whatever is required so please let us know what we can do."
The Co-op in Invergordon has also offered its help: "We are devastated by what has happened today. If anyone would like to drop off shoes, jackets etc you can drop them off at the shop. We will put trolleys at the door for any one who needs them can come and get them if needed. It's not much but we will help in any way we can."
Tarradale Primary in Muir of Ord is also offering support. A statement issued on its Facebook page said: "As you will know our friends at Park Primary lost their school due to fire.
"Thankfully everyone got our unhurt which is absolutely the main thing. However in any fire drill or alarm the children are trained to walk out of the door directly and promptly picking nothing up on the way. This means that the pupils and families of Park have to now look to buying all new school equipment. As parents you know exactly what I mean. Jackets. Shoes. School bags. Pencil cases with all the trimmings. We all know this can be a very expensive business.
"If you have anything in your house which could help in any way and that you no longer need would you consider donating to these families? Just pop anything at all into the school and your parent council will deliver it directly to people in need. On your behalf your parent council have already contacted the parents at Park to offer any help and assistance Thank you all. Community is everything."
Park head teacher Karen Cox responded to messages of support on Facebook by stating: "Thank you so much. We have received so many offers of help and support it is quite overwhelming!
Schools have been emailing and phoning with offers of resources and help all day; it has been very heart-warming on such a sad day for us all. Thank you to everyone for the kind messages. It has been a long day with lots of meetings to plan what happens next."
Related: PICTURES: Blaze devastates Easter Ross primary
Stay clear of area, firefighters warn
Council bans use of old laptops following fire
Did you witness the fire? Have you been affected by the blaze? Contact us by emailing newsdesk@hnmedia.co.uk
