Blaze tragedy victims remembered

Hundreds of people attended the memorial service

Hundreds of people have attended a memorial service for the 14 elderly people who died after a fire in a nursing home in Lanarkshire.

The ceremony took place in the Old Parish Church in Uddingston, which is near the Rosepark Care Home where the fire happened three months ago.

Family, friends, members of the emergency services and local MP John Reid all gathered to pay respects.

A member of the church congregation was among those who lost their lives.

Strathclyde Firemaster Brian Sweeney left the massive rescue operation following Tuesday's explosion at a Glasgow factory to join mourners at the service.

Candle tribute

The service, which consisted of hymns, prayers and readings, was led by the Reverend Norman McKee.

Candles were lit in celebration of each life which was lost.

Mr McKee said: "This has been an opportunity for everyone in the community who has been touched by the Rosepark tragedy to reflect and give thanks for the lives remembered."

Prayers were also said for those affected by the Maryhill tragedy.

Dr Reid said after the service: "I think the whole of Scotland, indeed the whole of Britain, is shocked and saddened by the loss at Maryhill but everyone who is here this morning has a particular reason to feel that same sense of sorrow because they too are part of a tragedy where many lives have been lost.

A member of the church congregation was among the victims

"It was a very deeply moving ceremony where the whole community came together to remember their own loss and that of other families."

A fatal accident inquiry is to be held into the incident, in which it is believed the residents were overcome by fumes from a fire in a cupboard.

The Scottish Executive has also asked the Building Research Establishment (BRE) to recreate the fire and study it under laboratory conditions.

This work will focus on potential improvements which can be made to future building fire safety.

In March, Communities Minister Mary Mulligan announced that all new and converted care homes, sheltered housing complexes and tower blocks will have to fit fire sprinklers from May next year.

The Scottish Executive is carrying out consultation on the proposals.