Firefighters fight blaze within derelict former hotel site

Firefighters were called to deal with a blaze within a derelict building in Dumbarton.

Seven fire engines were sent to the former Dumbuck House Hotel on Glasgow Road in the early hours of this morning at 1.20am.

The A814 Glasgow Road was closed between the A82 and Oaktree Gardens, police have revealed.

(Image: Newsquest)

(Image: Newsquest) The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said there were no casualties.

A SFRS spokesperson stated: "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."

A Police Scotland spokesperson added: "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 June 27."

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

A part retrospective planning application is currently being considered for the site submitted by 1798 Dumbuck Estates Ltd.

This is for the partial demolition and conversion of the hotel to form eight flats. And to build four single-storey homes.

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A local resident said: “I didn’t know anything about it last night despite living just down the road. I first heard about it on social media.

"I am not surprised something has happened to it as it has been lying derelict for years, if anything I am surprised the whole place hasn’t burned down.”

Another said: “It is very sad to see this happen, it feels like another piece of Dumbarton’s history has been destroyed. I have plenty of happy memories of family parties in their over the years. I hope it can be reopened at some point.”

The building was stripped of its B-listed status by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) on October 24, 2023 - following an application from its owners.

The building was first granted its status in May 1971.

HES lists the reason for the removal of the status as "This building does not meet the criteria for listing."

Last year, a consultation was launched and members of the public were invited to submit opinions regarding the building's listed status.

Of the 93 comments from members of the public, 92 were objections.

West Dunbartonshire Council also noted their strong opposition to the removal of the listing.

A report reads: "[The council] noted the building is a good example of a late 18th century/early 19th century classical/Palladian mansion. Although modified, externally it largely retains its original appearance, symmetry and character, defined by the 2.5 storey central building with lower wings each side.

"It is a prominent and well-known landmark on the road into Dumbarton from the east, and an important cultural reference point within West Dunbartonshire. The building is valued by the local community."

(Image: Newsquest)

Jackie Baillie MSP expressed her concern about the future of the site after the fire.

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

“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.”

While local councillor David McBride, who previously stated his opposition to the building being delisted, also expressed his dismay at the situation.

"I am extremely concerned to learn of the fire at the Dumbuck Hotel," he said.

"I was very vocal against the application to de-list the building and disappointed when this was a granted.

"To now watch footage of the raging flames is devastating. It is a huge loss to the history of the town and the special memories many of us have of celebrations in the past.

"I will await reports from Police Scotland and Fire and Rescue of their enquiries into the cause of the fire"

Another local councillor Chris Pollock said: "I was shocked but not surprised to hear that the Dumbuck Hotel had went on fire in the early hours of this morning.

"I stay nearby to the hotel and I could see and smell the smoke.

"The building was recently delisted which meant the owner was free to demolish without planning permission.

"Many local residents and community councils were very unhappy with this due to the fact the town could lose yet another historic building. "