PEOPLE in Helensburgh have rallied round a devastated local family whose home – and business – was deliberately destroyed by fire.

Following the blaze at Killin House B&B in Lomond Street, in the early hours of December 19, Burgh residents – and people living further afield – have offered donations, online and in person, of money, clothes and other items and messages of support.

A statement on the Killin Cottage B&B Facebook page thanked the emergency services for their help and confirmed that all five people who were in the house when the fire broke out were evacuated safely and without injury.

It read: “Sadly, Killin Cottage is closed until further notice. This has been a devastating and distressing time for our family as we have lost not only our business, but our home.

“I would like to thank the emergency services and everyone for their help, kindness, encouragement and support; it is greatly appreciated.”

The blaze happened less than 24 hours after the devastating fire at Cameron House Hotel near Loch Lomond in which two people died.

A JustGiving page set up with the aim of raising £100 for the family saw that target beaten after only an hour - and by Friday morning the appeal had raised £2,077.

One local resident said: “I decided to donate what I could and share the page as we have mutual friends and I think a lot of the community will want to help.

“I think the JustGiving page shows the support of the local community and will hopefully be a comfort to the family.”

The McColl’s store in Churchill Square has collections ongoing for both the Cameron House fire-affected and the family at Killin Cottage.

Shop manager Stephanie Hair told the Advertiser: “It was so sad to see these fires so close to Christmas. It feels more personal when it happens nearby and I just wanted to help.

“We have had a few donations already and people have shared that we are collecting well on social media so hopefully we will get more. I will leave the collection buckets out until after Christmas, so they are here if anyone wants to donate.”

Argyll and Bute Council leader Aileen Morton was glad to see the community rally round to offer help and support. She said: “I have enormous sympathy for the family who are now without their home or their belongings.

“The one bright spot is that I have seen numerous Facebook posts giving the arrangements for donating items so it is good to see the local community rally round to support the family.”

Helensburgh Central councillor Lorna Douglas said it was vital for people to check their smoke alarms following the fire.

She said: “I am really sorry to hear about the fire at Lomond Street and the disruption to those concerned, particularly at this time of year. I understand that the police are investigating the cause.

“Can I remind everyone to please check their smoke alarms. If you don’t have smoke alarms, please contact the fire station to have a free house visit.”

Anyone with information, or who saw anything suspicious in the Lomond Street area around, and shortly after, 1am on Tuesday, is asked to contact Helensburgh police office via 101, quoting incident number 0167 of Tuesday, December 19, 2017.

To donate online visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lynsey-allison