Unfortuntately a major fire broke out in Raasay House at approximately 1.15am this morning.
Details are scarce at the moment but we will update you all as soon as we can.We are sad and shocked by what appears to be a devastating fire, but with our usual brave spirit and optimism we will look to the future.
Regards
The directors and staff of Raasay House.
48 comments:
So sorry to hear this dreadful news - a sad day for the island and for yourselves. It has, though, been rebuilt before; and will rise again.
I've never been to Raasay house, but i've been involved with enough community projects to know that you must all be devastated with this news. Looking at the photographs and reading the blog of how far the renovation had progressed an event such as this, happening so close to what was to be a celebratory opening is almost too hard to comprehend. I wish you all on Raasay and those who have been involved with the project from further afield all the strenghth, support, luck and stamina to rise from this to re-build again.
we are so sad for you. It's all we've talked about today. we can only hope it's not as terrible as it looks from the photos. Love to you all our thoughts are with you
jo ben juno and reuben xxxx
Just to say how deeply sad I am to hear about your dreadful fire at Raasay House. My heart truly goes out to all those who worked so hard to renovate the Beautiful House, and of course all the dedicated staff who ran the outdoor centre. I had the great privilege of staying in the wee room above the front porch in 2005, while making an animated film at Hallaig. The house and staff were so welcoming, and the whisky in the Dolphin Cafe was superb! I do hope the House is not too bad that it can be repaired, Just to say my heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you all on God's Island of Raasay.
Neil K Kempsell
I was absolutely heart broken when I heard this dreadful news!
Raasay House is such a fabulous building and its was looking so beautiful when I was shown round it in late summer. It is so sad, there really isn’t much I can say, apart from to let you know how sorry I am and that I really hope this isn’t the end of Raasay House.
Hello
We are realy upset to hear about the fire. We were so very impressed by the work you have done to bring Raasay house back to its former glory. We viseted several times during the renovation and it was lovely to see the work progress. It is such a sad day.
Phil Sarah Ailsa & Roisin
A tragedy for such an history island property.
We are thinking of you all, it has been numbing news.Call if you want ANYTHING! Jerry Jullie
I can't believe that the house has burnt down :( Ive been going there with portobello high school for 2 years now and we were all looking forward to moving back into the house after being in the youth hostel last year. I hope that the fire wasnt extremely bad and that people can still use the house whilst in Raasay.
Regards
Alex Read
As you know, Anne and I met at Raasay House, were married there and although 'only a building' as a place it means a lot to us and to proberbly thousands and thousands of people, as to you all. Whatever happens next we'll be across the water to help
Chalke & Anne at Whitewave
I am devastated to see the news of all the hard work being destroyed by the fire. As always and with true spirit that everyone is showing, the house will be brought back to life from the ashes and I can't wait to see this. I have been visiting Raasay every year since I was a child and used the centre countless times, whether for a blether withMr McCracken who had the library, used the games facilities, cafe and much more.
Here's hoping to the future.
I was so pleased to see inside the house and honoured by the idea that you were accepting some of my work about the Raasay Iron Mine for display. Having seen how much had been achieved I am devastated for all of you. I can only mourn with you and hope that something can arise in the future. Margaret
I worked at the house for 3 short months & had great memories of my time at the house. Justyne & i were following its progress with great interest & excited to see that all of your hard work was paying off. Hearing of this terrible turn of events left us shocked & saddened. Our thoughts & well wishes go out to David, Fraya, Lynn & co. If you can over come this set back it will become just another chapter in the house's long & eventful history.
Regards,
Andrew & Justyne
(from Melbourne, Australia)
Really truly sorry to hear this - I was really looking forward to seeing the place open up again as I'm sure you all were. However, I'm sure this is just annother setback and you'll get there in the end! In the meantime am thinking of you all - get in touch if there's anything at all I can do to help.
Lara Adams (Hinde)
Everyone at Glasgow Academy has been so shocked and saddened to hear about the fire. We are thinking of you all at this dreadful time.
I am so so sorry for you all, I've been reading your progress over the months and was so excited about seeing the finished project! My heart goes out to you all and I wish you all the best in getting it rebuilt!
Massive Hugs
Suzy x
What can I say! I have been bringing groups of young people to stay at Raasay House over the last 12 years and have been planning the first ever return visit with a group in May after the reopening. We are all so sad about what has happened and are thinking of you all.
Sue and the students and staff at Dundee College
I'm very sad to hear the terrible news. We were so looking forward seeing the house again on our visits to Raasay and I was also looking forward to teaching at the rarescale music course at the end of march at the house.
I hope that the house will be bebuilt and we will join the long queue of supporters who will stand by you all during this hard time,
Sarah
We had been looking forward to revisiting Raasay House. We used the Cafe for several evnings on our honeymoon in 1996 and have stayed at the House subsequently. Such a beautiful location, friendly and informal.
Hoping that despite such a setback you will still be able to restore this historic building.
Stephen & Catherine Mulcahy
What shocking news. I feel so much for you. The House was just beautiful in every way and we received such a welcome when we visited the island a couple of years ago. We had been along Calum's Road and it turned wet so we took shelter in Raasay House. It was really lovely. The Heritage Centre was also superb - very interesting. It is heartbreaking to think that this wonderful building had been devastated. It will have devastated the community, but you will gain strength and courage from each other and these events bring people closer together.
Blessings,
Mairi Leach.
Absolutely gutted to hear this tragic news. After all the work you have all done, it seems incredibly cruel. I know this is hard but you can deal with this bitter blow and come back again.
All my love and best wishes to you all,
John, Cathy and family.
Having sent teenagers up from the 'soft' south for 3 years to Raasay House we all at Mill on the Brue were devastated to hear the sad news of the fire. Our thoughts go out to Lyn,Freya, David and all the staff. Keep going please in spite of this cruel blow - our thoughts and prayers are with you.
From everyone at MoB in Somerset.
Portobello High School has been bringing pupils to Raasay House for ten years. It has been a huge part of all of our lives and we were absolutely devastated at the news. We know how hard people had worked to make this project happen and our hearts go out to them. We know this is not the end of Raasay House. Let us know if we can help in anyway. Ann, Paul, Kenny and Shiona xxx
I am so sorry to hear this terrible news. I hope like everyone else the building can rise again from the ashes. My thoughts are with all that worked there. What a nightmare to have all your plans and dreams snatched away when the work was so close to being done.
What a bugger. still you could rebuild it even better than before.
Tragic-we are all thinking of you.
Bambi, Kirsty and the Gang.
The worst News I have heard in a long time!
Must now be rebuilt.
I hope the Raasay team can now find the strengh to push forward.
All the Very Best!
Dave.
Skye Sailing Slub -
West Coast Paint Ball
I was utterly shocked to see the news about this today. Raasay House is such an important part of Scotland's heritage, giving so many positive experiences to young people and the central jewel of a beautiful island. I would suggest a fighting fund to help with immediate costs, something I for one would gladly contribute to. It will be som much hard work for all the dedicated people involved so far that the least we can all do is dig into our pockets and help. Just say the word. As Churchill said, never never never give up.
So sad to hear the news - when you were so close. We will always have happy memories and know you will overcome this to create more for so many people in the future.
Best wishes to Lyn, David, Freya and you all
Andy & Kathy
So sad for you all. Thinking about you.
Love Craig, Tinda, Sophie and Glen xx
We were devaststed to learn about the fire. Be strong!
Jodi told us the terrible news this morning. So sad for yourselves and Raasay House. David, Freya and family we are thinking of you and sending all our love. Nicola, Chris, Lawson and Finn xx.
I am shocked and saddened almost beyond words. I spent one beautiful, amazing and all too short summer during my college years as the housekeeper for Raasay Outdoor Center. I think back to that summer so often and with so much joy, and have been following the progress of the renovations with great interest. Today was a day of renewed hope for the future for us Americans, and all I can think to do is tell you that I will try to share some of that feeling with you in your time of loss. Be strong, and please, for all of us who love Raasay House, persevere!
Kat Diersen, Florida, USA
I have been in total shock after hearing the news this morning... Raasay House has been part of our lives for over a decade and has a special place in our hearts.
Wishing you strenght and a positive outlook - If it gets too tough you can always come with us to Africa
lots of love from Camilla & Jeremy Sherr
"Sunset over Raasay, sunset over the sea, there is no other place in the world where I would rather be".
A ceilidh! in the ashes - how beautiful....
We are so very sorry to hear the tragic news of the fire at Raasay House.Ours thoughts are with you all.
Alan and Sue Craw
Very sad to hear the news. Were looking forward to seeing the new building but are prepared to wait just that little bit longer!! Raasay and the House have been such a major part of our lives that it is inconceivable it will not reappear as successfully as before. Our best wishes to Lyn,Dave and Freya et al for the reconstruction period.
Allan,Zena,Graeme,Stuart(and his partner Sarah and daughter Skye!),and Neil(now living/working in China!!) (The Reedie family)
I am very shocked to hear about the fire. I have spent so many nice holidays at Raasay House. And I was very lucky to see the refurbishing. I have planned to spend my next holidays again on Raasay. I am really sad.
Hope you will be brave to rebuilt it again. Good luck!
Susanne from Germany
I'm gutted for you guys.....such a sad sad day
Theresa, Moray Carers Project. x
i spent every summer of my childhood trying to cadge free canoeing and rock-climbing trips from R.O.C. Happy days....It's my favourite place on Earth, you must rebuild! Best of luck with the job ahead
East Cheshire Crossroads young carers were saddened to hear the news of the fire. Our group has had the privilege of visiting this very special place on several occasions and were hoping to see the house and all of it's brilliant and dedicated team in July. We wish we were closer as we would love to be able to help you in some small way as you have for us in the last few years.
Our best wishes and support go to all involved with the project,
We hope to see you all again soon.
I was shocked to hear the news of your fire. You have my heartfelt sympathy.
Raasay has always been a magical place for me ...may it rise again from the ashes.
Dawn Eagle Woman
Dear Lyn, Freya and David, I just heard the terrible news through an email from Dawn and I am speachless - words like 'shocked' do not even come close. The memories of my stay in Raasay House during a workshop, and of getting to know you guys, are still vivid. My heart and prayers are with you all. I hope and pray that Raasay House will soon be stronger and more beautiful than ever. Lots of love and supporting vibes, Frans.
I am absolutely devastated by the news which only today has come to my attention. I first came to Rassay in 1976 as an undergraduate geologist, in the days when John Green owned the house and it had fallen into a delapidated state. I have been back countless times since, introducing my wife and family to what is a very special place and always encouraged by the work and patience of the Outdoor Centre.
Encouraged to hear that the insurance claims are progressing and early expectations that the house may reopen sometime in 2011. Don't loose heart and keep up the good work!! It will be worth it!
Dearest all at ROC.
I was so exited following the rebuilding of the beautiful mansion where I have spent 2summers.
What a terrible shock it was to read the blog.
I hope you can manage to find the strenght to do it all again.
A big hug to Freya, David and Lyn.
Jees, I love that Island
A ceilidh! in the ashes - how beautiful....
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