Lanark Road Nursery: Fundraiser raises thousands of pounds for Edinburgh nursery after fire

A fundraiser has already raised thousands of pounds to support an Edinburgh nursery damaged by a fire on Wednesday.

Emergency services were called to the Lanark Road Nursery at around 7.20am on Wednesday after reports of a fire in the roof space.

Both Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service appeared on scene to tackle the fire and close the road to all traffic.

'A place I fell in love with the second I stepped in the door': Thousands raised for Edinburgh family nursery after fire. Picture credit: Daniel Hunter.

The nursery confirmed that no one was hurt in the fire, but that it would have to remain closed while the fire was extinguished and the damage assessed.

A Go Fund Me Page was started by Stacey Bridges, whose daughter went to the family run nursery for four years.

She wrote: “On Wednesday 5th May, Lanark Road Nursery in Edinburgh suffered a devastating fire.

"The nursery is an independent, family-run organisation that has provided incredible early years care for 0-5 year olds in the local area.

'A place I fell in love with the second I stepped in the door': Thousands raised for Edinburgh family nursery after fire. Picture credit: Daniel Hunter.

“The owners and nursery team have always gone above and beyond for the children in their care, from delicious home cooked meals, to amazing outdoor play, crafts and day trips - it’s a dream nursery and a place I fell in love with the second I stepped in the door.

"The team have worked tirelessly over the past year to stay open during both lockdowns to ensure key workers in the city could work.

"My daughter has enjoyed four incredible years at the nursery and I want to raise money to support the nursery owners and staff during this time of uncertainty.

"All funds will be donated to the nursery in the hope that this helps them to rebuild and reopen as smoothly as possible.”

The fundraiser has already raised £4,840 with supportive comments from well wishers saying: “Every single member of staff goes the extra mile for the children, and I hope to see them all together again soon” and “we hope the fund goes some way towards rebuilding the nursery.”

Andrew Johnston, Tory councillor for Fountainbridge and Craiglockhart, said "It's obviously a huge blow to the community that rely on the nursery.

"The parents say they are just thankful no children have been hurt, but by the scale of the blaze they don't think the building will be salvageable."

To donate to the fundraiser, click here.

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