Even as many people recover from the effects of Storm Frank, one Aberdeenshire woman has suffered a new blow after the building in which she stored her belongings was engulfed by fire.
Lucy Brydon from Kemnay thought her possessions would be safe when she moved them into her art studio after her house was flooded in January.
But when she discovered Lethenty Mill had gone up in smoke, she admits she didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.
More than 50 fire-fighters were called to the Mill, about a mile north of Inverurie, on April 28.
Ms Brydon said: “I moved a load of my books and paintings and some other valuables which survived the flood, but, of course, my house even upstairs was really damp, so I just couldn’t keep them there.
“It’s just so annoying. I thought my belongings would be safe there and when I moved into a rental house, I didn’t move stuff back, thinking I could do it when my home was ready.
“But, of course, this means nothing that was in the fire has been covered by insurance.”
The Mill is currently out of bounds due to the extent of the fire, leaving Ms Brydon in the dark as to the fate of her cherished belongings.
She said: “I don’t even know what has survived because I can’t go into the building, as there is a prohibition notice.
“The firemen said they don’t think my things will be salvageable and there is a lot of smoke and water damage.
“When I found out about the fire, it really was total disbelief.
“But to have this and the flood in the same year. I keep trying to laugh about it, otherwise I’d break down and cry.”
West Garioch councillor Sheena Lonchay responded: “I send my heartfelt sympathies, because to be hit by flood and fire must be traumatising.
“I would love to hear from her if there is anything I can do to help.
“The fire was an inferno, so my utmost respect goes to the fire-fighters at the scene and their families who must worry every time they are faced with a battle like Lethenty Mill.”
