A man who lost his home and possessions in the devastating explosion and fire which hit Fountainbridge is back on his feet thanks to kind donations from the community.
A crowdfunder was set up for Wallace Oldridge following the blast on September 10, which meant the block had to be partially demolished.
The explosion caused the who is yet to be formally identified and led to the neighbouring Tolcross Primary School being closed for several days.
Wallace, who is originally from Northern Ireland, lived in the flat above the one which exploded and had only just moved there three months ago.
The 40-year-old told the Daily Record he had laid flowers for the person who died.
He said: "I was at work when my neighbour rang me and asked me if I had heard the news.
"She said 'you might want to sit down'.
"I rushed back and there were police, fire engines and ambulances everywhere.
“It’s just something you never think will ever happen to you. I lost everything.
"But it could have been worse.
"I know there was one fatality – I laid flowers for them - but no one my neighbours or I knew was hurt or injured. There is the school next door as well. I'm just so glad no children were hurt."
The Go Fund Me page for Wallace has so far raised more than £5000 and others have offered to donate appliances to him.
It was set up by his workmate Mark Graham
Mark, from Ayrshire, said: “I'd seen these things work but I never expected it to do as well as it has.
“The fact that so many people have chipped in to help Wallace is incredibly touching.
“We're going to use the funds for immediate things like IDs, his birth certificate, getting a new passport and so on.
“Then a complete wardrobe. He's going to need clothes. Even though people donated provisions, clothes can be expensive, and you want your own personal wardrobe.
"Obviously once his temporary accommodation comes to an end we will need to secure something permanent.
"That'll mean all the furniture donated will be missing again.
"We're hoping to keep the money for the long term so he doesn’t have to worry about new bills, rent and furniture."
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