Emergency services still on scene of abandoned convent fire in Dumfries
The historic Benedictine Convent on Corbelly Hill went up in flames on Tuesday night, for the second time in less than a year
Fire crews and police were still on the scene of a major blaze at the former Benedictine Concent on Corbelly Hill in Dumfries on Wednesday morning, more than 12 hours after flames were spotted coming from the building.
It is the second fire at the historic building in less than a year, after a large part of the convent was destroyed in a similar incident in August last year.
The peak of the “well developed” blaze on Tuesday night saw nearby residents urged to keep their windows closed as smoke billowed around the area, and a number of roads were also closed to vehicles.
Police looking to speak to people seen in area at time of fire
Three Scottish Fire and Rescue Service appliances remained on the scene on Wednesday morning with the area still taped off by police.
An investigation is under way now and officers are particularly keen to speak to a number of people who were in the area at the time the fire broke out.
Chief Inspector Robin Ferguson said: “Around 7.30pm on Tuesday, 16 May, police were called to a report of a fire at a building in Maxwell Street, Dumfries.
“Officers are in attendance assisting colleagues from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
“Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the cause of the fire. There were a number of people in the area when the fire started and I would ask anyone with any information that may assist us to contact 101 with reference number 3392 of 16 May.”
READ MORE: Dumfries convent on fire for second time in nine months
Residents are expressing their shock at what has happened. Maisie Copeland works in Sweet Sadie’s Ice Cream and Dessert shop nearby and told Greatest Hits Radio News: “It’s quite upsetting because obviously it is quite a historical thing for Dumfries.
“There are people who’ve just move here from Glasgow and it was quite upsetting having to explain to them that this is the second time this has happened.”
"Some people will not rest until this building is destroyed"
Local MSPs have also been giving their reaction, with Scottish Labour’s Colin Smyth convinced the fire is once again the work of vandals: “It’ just heartbreaking to see this beautiful historic building ablaze yet again.
“Despite the clear warning signs, despite the security measures, despite the dangers, it seems that some people will not rest until this building is destroyed.
“I would urge the local community if they do have any information, if they saw anyone near the site in the last 24 hours, please pass that on to the police and at the very least we can see the perpetrators of this vandalism brought to justice.”
SNP MSP Emma Harper has been campaigning for more action to be taken to address the number of long-term abandoned buildings in the region, and says this latest incident once again shows why that’s needed: “We’re seeing for the second time that the beautiful, red sandstone former convent has been ablaze, and the fire crews have been called out.
“We see the local authorities take action and use the powers that they have to deal with these numerous derelict buildings across Dumfries and Galloway.”