The fire devasted Rigside Nursery and due to the extensive damage, the building will need to be demolished. The school, which is located next door to the nursery had a few days closed due to smoke damage but luckily, was not damaged due to the nearby fire.

Despite the sad news, the staff and local community are determined that the children still get to experience a sense of normality, and that disturbance in children’s care and education is as limited as practically possible. 

The week after the fire, the nursery organised some ‘come together’ sessions, where families and staff met, to share experiences, process what has happened and comfort each other during this challenging time. They organised a Bookbug session for families to sing together and listen to stories, and then they ran a sports day, where families took part in races and then a picnic lunch in the sun.

Head of Establishment Susan Dobbin said: “The children were delighted to see each other, and we had lots of happy faces as they sang along. The fire has been devastating for all involved, but in the aftermath, we have been overwhelmed by the community around us coming together. We've received so many lovely messages from families, colleagues and members of the public.”

Kids party company Shellebrations, has offered to run a free party for the 3-5 children at Rigside, as their graduation was cancelled due to the fire.

Susan also said: “Our Early Years and Education community within South Lanarkshire Council has rallied together to support us with furniture and resources to get us set up again within Rigside Primary school and Community Hall.  Ali and her team at Rigside PS have been so kind and patient with us in letting us use their spaces.

“Yes, one of our buildings has burned to the ground, but I told my staff on that morning of the fire, that it is not the building that makes it Rigside and Rural, it is the team that is Rigside and Rural - WE are the nursery.

"The nursery now has all three age groups back up and running in their temporary spaces and children are enjoying being back, exploring their new environments and catching up with their friends and the staff." 

The council’s Interim Executive Director of Education Resources, Anne Donaldson, said: “While the fire was a dreadful thing to have happened, it’s heartening to see and hear the sense of community spirit that is so strong right across the area of Rigside.”