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Findhorn Foundation thanks fire service and the public


By Garry McCartney

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The entrance to the Findhorn Foundation off the Kinloss road.
The entrance to the Findhorn Foundation off the Kinloss road.

POLICE have arrested a 49-year-old man in connection with fires at the Findhorn Foundation in the early hours of this morning.

The emergency services were called out to The Park at 2am to attend blazes at the Findhorn Community Centre and Findhorn Sanctuary buildings.

Sections of the site had to be cordoned off and around 12 unharmed Foundation co-workers and community residents living near the fires were re-housed as a precaution.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "We were alerted at 2am on Monday, April 12 to reports of a fire within the Findhorn Foundation Park, Findhorn. Operations Control mobilised six fire appliances as well as specialist resources to the scene, where crews remain in attendance. There are no reported casualties at this time."

Police were called at 2.05am.

A Police Scotland spokesperson added: "A 49-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances."

Damage to the site's homecare nest and education office has also been reported.

Residents describe "intense" fires and "terrible" smoke, as well as being lucky there was no wind to fan the flames.

The Park community centre as it was.
The Park community centre as it was.
The Sanctuary before it burned down.
The Sanctuary before it burned down.

A Foundation spokesperson confirmed the destroyed decades old meditation sanctuary and community centre were "at the spiritual and social heart of the community" and "usually very busy".

Foundation CEO Caroline Matters is working closely with trustees and New Findhorn Association convenors David Harrison and Lorraine Rytz-Thériault to coordinate a community response at The Park.

Caroline said: "We are so grateful that no one was hurt and know that the spirit of the community lives in our hearts and connects our community around the world.

"Buildings can be rebuilt. Our main concern is to take care of our co-workers and community."

What is left of the community centre.
What is left of the community centre.
The remains of The Sanctuary.
The remains of The Sanctuary.

The international spiritual education centre has welcomed thousands of people from all around the world over the last 59 years.

However, due to continuing uncertainty as a result of Covid-19 restrictions, there is no set calendar of events for 2021 so the community centre and sanctuary have not been open to use except at limited times within Scottish Government guidelines.

The Park is only open to residents until further notice and health and safety manager, Marc Zozaya, asks that all barriers and cordons be respected until the area is made safe.

Ms Matters said: "We will rebuild. We have been through trials and tough times before and we will make it through this event.

"Things will resume after Covid-19 restrictions end, as there are other facilities that can be used.

"We do not expect it to have a significant impact on the business but it may require some co-workers and residents to be moved from some buildings to others.

"We are deeply grateful to the Scottish Fire Rescue Service for their quick response in containing the fires and ensuring the safety of all concerned. The Findhorn Foundation and community are deeply touched by all the support we are receiving both locally and from around the world."


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