A boating firm has launched a fundraiser after a horror fire next to the Clyde destroyed a man's traditional boat-building business.

Peter Matheson, 77, lost his entire premises on Thursday following the blaze at Clyde Boatyard on Thursday.

Peter is one of the last traditional wooden boat builders and those close to him say the heartbreaking fire has been incredibly distressing leaving him "distraught".

Clydebank Post: Credit William BrownCredit William Brown (Image: William Brown)
Boat builders from Offshore Boats have rallied together to provide Peter with a smaller shed in an attempt to get his business up and running again in the short term.

William Brown, one of the organisers of the fundraiser, told our sister title the Glasgow Times: "He has volunteers from all over the world coming and working with him.

"This tragic accident left him with no hope and distraught, but with a helping hand from offshore workboats, some donations from kind people and a lot of support from friends and family this man could continue plying his trade and continue to pass on his very valuable skills to younger generations."

The fundraiser has already raised almost half of its £5,000 target.

Mr Brown said: "The money raised will help to rebuild his shed and buy the lifetime of tools, equipment and timber he has lost." 

We previously reported that a video had captured the fire with an explosion seen erupting from the premises in Clydebank.

Clydebank Post: Credit: William BrownCredit: William Brown (Image: William Brown)

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 9.05pm on Thursday, June 15, police were called to a report of a fire at a boatyard on Dock Street, Clydebank.

"Officers attended to assist the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and enquiries are being carried out to establish the cause of the fire."

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson added: "We were alerted at 8.09pm on Thursday, June 15, to reports of a building fire in Clydebank.

"Operations Control mobilised four appliances to the town's Dock Street, where firefighters extinguished the fire and worked to make the area safe before leaving the scene.

"There were no casualties."

To find out more or donate to the fundraiser, click here.