JOHN Swinney has called for answers two years on from a fire at a Perth hotel which resulted in the deaths of three people.
A blaze ripped through the New County Hotel on January 2 2023, with three people and a dog killed in the incident.
Emergency services have said a joint probe remains ongoing.
Speaking to The Courier, Swinney, who represents Perthshire North at Holyrood, said: “It is vital that a full investigation is carried out in order to provide answers to the loved ones of those who tragically lost their lives in this incident, and hopefully offer some form of closure.
“It is also crucial that lessons are learned to ensure such a tragedy does not happen again.
“It is my hope that this investigation is proceeding as quickly as possible, and that it will continue to keep the families of the victims updated on their progress.
“At this difficult time, I once again extend my sympathies to all those impacted by this horrendous tragedy.”
Sisters Donna Janse Van Rensburg, 44, and Sharon McLean, 47, from Aberdeen and 38-year-old Keith Russell, originally from Edinburgh, died in the fire, along with Van Rensburg’s dog Joey.
The blaze came weeks after fire officials along with independent consultants with Perth and Kinross Council had raised concerns over safety at the hotel.
Tory MSP Murdo Fraser (above), who represents the Mid Scotland and Fife region, also called for answers, saying there was an “extraordinary length of time being taken” to conclude the investigation.
“This can only be adding to the distress of the bereaved families,” he said.
Karen Kennedy, who was general manager at the time of the fire, also shared her concerns with The Courier, saying she had on numerous occasions tried to raise safety issues with owner Rashid Hussain – who has since died due to illness.
A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “A joint inquiry with partner agencies is ongoing.”
The Scottish Fire and Rescue service also confirmed that an investigation was still ongoing and therefore would not offer any further comment.
