A CROSSGATES woman says she has lost "everything" after a devastating fire.

Katie McConnell was in her kitchen at the property she shares with husband Andrew on Easter Buchlyvie Farm when the blaze began on Friday evening.

Among the possessions lost were treasured photos of her late son.

"I lost my wee boy 17 years ago and then this happened at the farm two weeks before Christmas. We have lost everything," she said.

"I lost my wee boy's photos which were in the front room."

Katie was preparing dinner for herself and farm worker Andrew when she smelt burning. Before she knew it, the property was consumed with smoke.

"I was grilling off some burgers and I thought what's that smouldering smell," she said. "I was like it must be the cooker and the next thing, my lights went pop. I couldn't see in front of me. I tried to get out. All I could see in front of me was black smoke. It was the most terrifying night of my life.

"I got my two pooches out and saved them. The fire brigade came up and saved the two budgies. They have survived but are covered in soot.

"In half an hour, my house was destroyed. It was the tumble drier that caught fire."

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said they were called to the farm at 4.52pm on Friday.

“Operations Control mobilised three fire appliances to the scene to extinguish the fire," they said.

"There were no reported injuries and crews left after ensuring the area was made safe.”

The couple are currently staying in a small caravan at the farm however, with dropping temperatures, Katie said they are hoping to find more suitable accommodation.

After the fire, family friend Laura Paterson set up a crowd funder appeal to help which had already raised around £500.

"I just wanted to help as I know Katie and her family have been to hell and back over the last few years," explained Laura. "Katie really struggles every day since the loss of her son a good few years back and has now lost all her photos and memories.

"I know money won't bring these things back but I was hoping to raise enough so it can help set up home again. This is a tough time of year for everyone with the cost of living and energy prices on the rise but I have been blown away so far with the help and support from the community and further afield."

Katie has been overwhelmed with the support offered to her since the fire.

"People have been so kind. They have given us things for the grandkids and shoes and jeans and pyjamas and blankets. Someone is making up a food parcel," she added.

"People are amazing saying they have got stuff. We have had to say hold off at the moment as we don't have anywhere to put things."

Anyone wanting to help with the crowdfunder can do so by visiting https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/to-support-a-family-who-have-lost-there-home