Locals rally to raise £7k in 24 hours for popular seafood bar which burned down

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Locals in Mull have rallied to raise more than £7000 in 24 hours to save a beloved seafood bar after it burned down in a devastating blaze. Siobhan Cameron, owner of award-winning seafood spot The Creel, near the ferry terminal at Fionnphort, told of the “heart-breaking” fire which gutted her business on Wednesday morning.

The blaze tore through the building and left it completely destroyed despite the best efforts of firefighters. But now the community has banded together for a fundraiser to “Rebuild the Creel” led by local woman Alison Mailey after it emerged insurers were refusing to cover the damages.

In the space of less than 24 hours, the GoFundMe appeal has smashed through its original £1000 target, raising nearly £7500 so far. More than 300 people have kindly dipped into their pockets to save Siobhan’s business and bring back The Creel.

Writing on the GoFundMe page, Alison said: “Sadly The Creel Seafood Bar in Fionnphort caught fire this morning. The blaze destroyed everything, and the fire service cannot tell where or why it started.

“The Creel was closed for the season with no appliances on. The insurance will not cover the damage done to the building.” She continued: “We are hoping to raise some money to allow Siobhan to rebuild this amazing little place.

"Siobhan is a single mum who puts her heart and soul into The Creel. She employs locals and is focused on rebuilding to enable her to continue her staff’s employment and provide for her wee girl.

“A little goes a long way in helping Siobhan get the support she needs, so anything you could give would be so appreciated.” The appeal has since spread far and wide on social media with hundreds of messages of support.

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The fresh seafood hut on the Isle of Mull has been an enormous hit with locals and foodies alike, and picked up the gong for the country’s Best Seafood Establishment at The Food Awards Scotland in 2021, 2023 and 2024. On Wednesday, Siobhan posted on The Creel’s official Facebook account to say she was “absolutely devastated and heartbroken” by the fire but vowed to try to rebuild it.

She added: “I want to say a massive thank you to the amazing fire and rescue team for arriving so quickly and doing everything they could to try and save it and to everyone’s lovely messages and support. It’s made the most heartbreaking day that little bit easier.”

But as fundraising efforts gathered pace, she wrote again later that night: “So unbelievably stunned at the kindness I’ve received today. I cannot explain how much I appreciate everyone’s help and support. It will never be forgotten!”

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