MOT Appointment Ends in Disaster as Uddingston Garage Fire Destroys Customer Vehicle

A routine MOT booking turned into a devastating loss for a Lanarkshire couple after a major fire tore through a garage in Uddingston earlier this week.

Lakini Bolton, from Bothwell, had dropped off her black Ford Focus for a scheduled MOT appointment on Monday, unaware that it would be the last time she would see the vehicle. Shortly after the car was left at the premises, a fire broke out, rapidly engulfing the garage and destroying everything inside.

Emergency services were called to the scene on Bothwell Road at around 6pm, with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service responding to what was described as a “well-developed” fire. Multiple appliances, including a high-reach vehicle, were deployed as crews battled flames that quickly spread through the building.

Eyewitnesses reported thick plumes of smoke and loud bangs as the blaze intensified, with nearby businesses, including a Tesco store and petrol station, evacuated as a precaution. Roads in the surrounding area were also closed while emergency services worked to bring the incident under control.

Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported, although one person was treated at the scene. However, the damage to the garage was extensive, with reports confirming that vehicles, tools and equipment were destroyed, and parts of the structure suffered significant collapse.

For Bolton and her partner, the loss of their Ford Focus represents an unexpected financial hit, highlighting the risks motorists face even during routine visits to garages. The incident has also had a wider impact on the local motor trade, with mechanics losing valuable tools and facing disruption to their livelihoods.

An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.