Police in Bridge of Allan have outlined an array of measures put in place to tackle ongoing anti-social behaviour at the derelict former Royal Hotel on Henderson Street, which has become a target for youths despite warnings over the danger of the site.
Security survey and charges
Officers have confirmed that a "security survey" has been carried out with the owners of the former Royal Hotel, with a series of recommendations made to improve the security of the property. Several young people have also been charged for causing damage to the building.
A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: "Police Scotland has been responding to reports of youths entering the derelict Royal Hotel in Bridge of Allan. Officers have attended concerning reports and have worked closely with the owner to identify and address any security issues. Whenever insecurities have been identified, the owner has been notified promptly so that immediate action can be taken to secure the building and prevent further unauthorised access."
Community engagement and warnings
Alongside enforcement, police have been engaging with the local community, schools, young people, and parents to raise awareness of the significant dangers associated with entering derelict buildings. Letters have been issued to parents and carers highlighting the risks and encouraging them to speak to their children about the dangers, with the aim of preventing further incidents.
The former Royal Hotel has been a source of frustration for locals after falling into disrepair. Emergency services were present at the site a few weeks ago, and images on social media showed young people standing on the outside windowsill of an upper room and inside one of the bedrooms.
Call for long-term solution
The site has been left without a clear future after Fairview International School announced in 2022 that it would not go forward with a project to transform it into a community hub and additional boarding facilities due to rising costs. Local councillor Thomas Heald, representing Dunblane and Bridge of Allan, called for more robust action.
Heald said: "The situation at the former Royal Hotel has been dragging on for far too long, and the condition of the building is creating an obvious risk, both to those entering it and to the wider community. Entering the site is a criminal offence and is putting lives at risk, so my message to those people making that choice is pretty simple. Go home or face the consequences of the law."
He added: "The immediate priority must be for the site to be made properly secure; not a temporary patch, but robust fencing, secured access points, regular inspections and prompt repairs where barriers have been breached. The owners have a responsibility to ensure that a vacant building does not become an invitation to trespass. But security alone is not a long-term answer. Bridge of Allan needs a credible, viable plan for the Royal Hotel that respects its importance to the town and brings the building back into productive use. I will continue to press for action from all those with responsibility, because allowing such a prominent site to deteriorate indefinitely is not acceptable."
