Pollokshields community rallies round to help victims of fatal McCulloch Street fire

One man sadly passed away following the blaze. Meanwhile, a total of 15 families had to be evacuated when the alarm was raised on Tuesday afternoon.

Due to an ongoing investigation between Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, the McCulloch Street and Lincluden Path residents will be out of their homes for months - with the majority of their belongings ruined.

But locals in the South Side, and beyond, have been keen to help from the get-go.

Tabassum Niamat, a resident of McCulloch Street and community engagement manager at the nearby Bowling Green, has been on-hand to offer support for the evicted residents.

Tabassum Niamat

She said: “I was at work when it happened. I heard all the sirens go into my street then started seeing smoke plumes and began to worry. I went around the corner and realised it was my neighbours’ building. I was wondering if everyone got out and if they were all safe. There were so many questions.

“For me, it was a matter of urgency to help these families. Their whole life had just gone up in flames - everything they had.

“And they’re not going to be able to be back in their homes for months.

“We offered them a place to come at The Bowling Green and provided tea and coffee. I’m still in contact with most of the families. I’m phoning them regularly to make sure they’re okay.”

The fire brought back bad memories for Tabassum, who was the victim of one herself, which also took place in Pollokshields.

“I was living with my mum and my sister at the time in Darnley Street”, she said.

“The flat below us caught fire. The firefighters came and rescued us, they had to smash the window. We went down in a cherry picker and the flames were coming up and nearly touching us.

“I was five days away from giving birth at the time. I was taken to hospital in an ambulance. I was fine, but I was left homeless.

“But because of what happened to me, I know what is needed, it put me in a better position to help these families out.”

The 44-year-old put out a call on social media asking for donations of clothes to The Bowling Green, for those who were left with nothing.

After a couple of hours, the team helping out had surpassed what they needed after locals, and people from beyond the city, turned up to help.

The local pharmacy donated toiletries and offered emergency medication.

Tabassum said: “I had to put out a post saying we had enough donations. I was there until midnight because people were still coming – it was amazing. People were donating with care too. They were labelling the sizes so it was less work for us sorting things out.”

Meanwhile, Fatima Uygun, a nearby resident in Kenmure Street, set up a GoFundMe page to collect monetary donations for the affected families.

Fatima Uygun

She said: “When I first heard, my reaction was both shock and disbelief that there was another fire. Lots of people have been made homeless - it’s a shocking state of affairs.

“I felt utter sympathy and was thinking about what it would be like to be made homeless.

“This is families we’re talking about, having to leave their houses with just the clothes on their backs. It’s shocking."

So far, more than £5,000 has been raised, which will be distributed out.

The fundraiser will be open for donations until Sunday night, in order for the families to receive the money quickly.

Fatima added: “So much money has been raised. How wonderful is that? Pollokshields is a very special place.

“Everyone saw what happened with the two men being threatened by the Home Office and now this is another example of the empathy and sympathy local people feel for each other. It’s a very special feeling. There is a real sense of unity here.

“It’s really moving to think that if there’s anyone in need, there are so many people willing to help. I’m getting quite emotional speaking about it, but it’s just great. People really do look out for one another.

“One man unfortunately passed away. But to his family and friends, I think I can speak on behalf of the community when I say we’re sending our deepest condolences and if there’s anything the community can do in his memory, then we will.”

Local councillor Jon Molyneux also offered his condolences to the man’s loved ones.

He said: “The response of the Pollokshields community to help their neighbours in their hour of need has, once again, been truly humbling. A huge thanks must go to all those who’ve rallied round however they can.

“It is, of course, deeply sad that someone lost their life as a tragic result of the fire. My thoughts are with their family, friends and neighbours, as well as with the emergency services workers who tried to save them.”

Both Fatima and Tabassum also praised the response from everyone who has helped out and offered their support over the last few days.

“Fatima and I know our community; we know what is required and we just went with our gut instinct to help out,” Tabassum said.

“It’s a horrible situation for everyone involved. I’m used to seeing these people every day and now I’m looking at a building with no-one in it. All I see is burnt out flats - it’s upsetting.

“But during times like these, you see the best in people – the whole community has rallied round.”

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