Donna Janse Van Rensburg, 44, and Sharon McLean, 47 and Keith Russell, 38, were killed in the blaze (Picture: Police Scotland)
Two sisters and a man who were killed in a hotel fire in Scotland have been named by police.
Donna Janse Van Rensburg, 44, and Sharon McLean, 47, both from Aberdeen, were killed in the blaze along with Keith Russell, 38, originally from Edinburgh.
Donna’s dog, Joey, a three year-old King Charles spaniel, also died, police have now confirmed.
Fire and rescue teams were called to the New County Hotel, in Perth, Scotland, at around 5.02am on January 2.
Guests and staff at the hotel were evacuated in the early hours, with fire crews scrambling to the scene.
The fire was extinguished a few hours later but firefighters and emergency services remained at the hotel.
Police Scotland and a number of other agencies are still investigating the cause of the fire.
Donna with her dog Joey who was also killed in the fire (Picture: PA)
Both families have asked for privacy. Keith’s family has released the following statement: ‘Keith was a loving father and loved by all his family. He will be greatly missed.’
Chief Superintendent Phil Davison said: ‘Our thoughts continue to be with the family and friends of those who died as well as the many people affected by this incident.
‘A joint investigation with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is ongoing and a report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.
‘I would like to again thank all the emergency services and partner agencies involved as well as the local community for their patience while enquiries are carried out.’
The fire spread to the third floor of the hotel (Picture: Graeme Hart / Perthshire Picture Agency)
Parts of the hotel were burnt out after the fire (Picture: Graeme Hart / Perthshire Picture Agency)
Police are still investigating the cause of the blaze (Picture: Graeme Hart / Perthshire Picture Agency)
Firefighters tackled to put out the fire after it started in the early hours of the morning (Picture: Graeme Hart / Perthshire Picture Agency)
He previously said: ‘Our thoughts are very much with the families and loved ones of those who have died at what is a very difficult time for everyone.
‘Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of what has happened and officers are conducting a joint investigation with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.’
Deputy First Minister John Swinney has said he is ‘very concerned’ after news of the fire broke.
Mr Swinney, MSP for Perthshire North, tweeted: ‘Very concerned to hear this news and hope that everyone is safe.
‘Grateful thanks, as ever, to the emergency services for their actions.’
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Local MP Pete Wishart said the fire was ‘simply awful news at the beginning of the year when so many people are out celebrating’.
Mr Wishart, who represents Perth and North Perthshire, added: ‘My thoughts are firmly with the families and friends of the victims.
‘When the news broke, we all hoped that everyone would make it out and would be accounted for. This is the last thing that anybody expected.
‘I know the people of Perth will be devastated by this news and would like to extend their deepest sympathies to those affected by this tragedy.
‘Can I also thank the emergency services who attended the scene in such numbers.’
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The family of one of the victims has paid tribute to the ‘loving father’ who was ‘loved by all his family and will be greatly missed.’
