It took only a few hours for a disused primary school in Helensburgh to be ravaged by fire.
The school was built in the early 19th century but had lain disused for many years after the council opened a new, replacement school.
A few days ago, there were reports of youths smashing the windows and vandalising the property. Sadly, a couple of days later, the building was ravaged by fire and destroyed. A building that had stood the test of time for more than 100 years was brought to its knees. Why? Because it was just lying empty.
Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing. But, unfortunately, the demolition crews have moved in to bring this listed building to the ground.
Unfortunately, this is what lies in store for many empty buildings: vandalism, fire, destruction and, ultimately, demolition.
We should conserve historic buildings like this old school; they are part of our heritage. They need to be brought back into use long before events like this fire are allowed to happen.
