Fire breaks out at historic Dumbuck House Hotel in Dumbarton

A fire has engulfed the derelict Dumbuck House Hotel in Dumbarton.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that they were called to the Glasgow Road venue at 1.20am this morning, with the road remaining closed to traffic as firefighters battle the blaze.

Three years ago, Devilla Property Services bought the iconic venue, which operated as a restaurant, bar and hotel before it shut down during the pandemic.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "We were alerted at 1.22am on Thursday, 27 June to reports of a fire within a derelict building in Dumbarton.

"Operations Control mobilised seven fire appliances to the town's Glasgow Road, where firefighters worked to extinguish the fire.

"Three appliances currently remain on scene with crews working to make the area safe.

"There are no casualties."

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) last year removed the category B listing on the building, following an application from its owners - who lodged plans to partially demolish the building.

The decision to de-list was taken despite more than 90 objections being submitted by residents. HES stated that the applicant says there “is no possibility” of future reuse due to the current economic climate and that the fabric of the property is “now in a poor state” and will worsen through time.

Last year members of West Dunbartonshire Council’s planning committee tasked local authority chiefs to write to Christina McKelvie, Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development, and the Chief Executive of Historic Environment Scotland expressing disappointment at the de-listing decision.

They backed a report that slammed HES for the move, saying “This local significance and local opinions appear not to have been given much weight by Historic Environment Scotland in its assessment.”

The building was built as Dumbuck House, in the early 19th century (between 1814 and 1829) as a mansion for the Geils family.

Dumbarton councillor David McBride said he was “appalled” by the change to the listed status of the building.

Town MSP Jackie Baillie now fears for the landmark hotel, which once served as a wedding venue for generations of families.

Jackie said: “I am very sorry to hear of the effect this fire has had on the Dumbuck Hotel, which was once a very popular location.

“I am concerned that this may result in the loss of a landmark for the town and now fear for its future.

“I know that many residents will share my concerns over what this fire will mean for the site.”

A Police Scotland spokesman said: "Officers are assisting Scottish Fire and Rescue Service following a fire at a derelict building on Glasgow Road, Dumbarton.

"The fire was reported around 1.40am this morning, Thursday, 27 June, 2024.

"The A814 Glasgow Road is closed between the A82 and Oaktree Gardens. Local diversions are in place and motorists are advised to use alternative routes.

"No-one has been injured.

"Enquiries into the circumstances are at an early stage.

"Anyone with information or anyone with dashcam footage which could assist our enquiries should contact police via 101, quoting incident number 0235 of 27 June."

More to follow.