A fundraiser has been launched to get a Skelmorlie man back on his feet after he “lost everything” in a caravan blaze.

Fergus Allardice, 52, was forced to stand and watch his home and all his possessions go up in flames at Cloch Caravans in Gourock.  

The contractor, who works for Maple Maintenance in Skelmorlie, reveals he left a drill on for five minutes and came back to find his caravan ablaze.

He explained: “I had been outside the caravan building planters and had left a drill on charge, then walked five minutes down the road to pick up a takeaway.

“When I came back up the corner of the caravan was up in flames, it went up so fast like a roman candle.

“Everything I owned was in there and I literally walked away with what I had on – I just felt completely sick.

“I had owned the caravan for less than a year and lived in it most of the time since then, so it’s like losing your house.

“The whole ordeal has been a nightmare but part of my is really thankful that I’m still standing and I wasn’t in the caravan at the time.”

Largs and Millport Weekly News:

A fundraiser was launched to help Fergus get back on his feet, with the community also looking out for him with donations of clothes and a place to sleep.

He said: “I’m not the most social media savvy person, so I had set up the fundraiser and didn’t even realise nobody could see it.

“People have honestly been unbelievable, donating me some clothes and giving me a place to stay while I get back on my feet.

“I tried to go in and save some of my possessions but within minutes the smoke fought me back and I had to just stand and watch it burn.

“The community has reaffirmed my belief in human nature, and I can’t thank everyone enough for all their kindness.”

The View At Cloch and The Urban Folkers are teaming up for a full weekend extravaganza of music, covers and original material on July 22 and 23.

The band said: “We are heartbroken for Fergus and would like to do everything we can to help.

“If any of our musician friends would like to play a slot at the event or if anyone can offer a raffle prize, please get in touch.”

To donate to Fergus’ fundraiser, go to www.gofundme.com/f/caravan-fire.