New images have emerged showing youngsters inside and on the windowsills of the derelict former Royal Hotel in Bridge of Allan, prompting fresh calls for the building's owners to produce a "credible plan" for the site. Green councillor Alasdair Tollemache and Conservative councillor Thomas Heald have both expressed deep concern over the ongoing security breaches and the deteriorating condition of the building on Henderson Street.
Images Show Youngsters Clambering Through Building
The images, shared on social media and seen by the Observer, show one group of youngsters standing on an outside windowsill of an upper room, while another shows a group inside one of the bedrooms. The building has been an eyesore since Fairview International School abandoned plans in 2022 to transform it into a community hub and additional boarding facilities due to rising costs. Since then, it has become a target for anti-social behaviour and fire-raising, with emergency services recently attending the site.
Councillors Demand Action
Councillor Alasdair Tollemache said: "It's very concerning that there are reports of the security of the building being breached again. I have asked the council to check the security of the site again. The state of the building is very detrimental to Bridge of Allan and the future of the building needs to be resolved." Councillor Thomas Heald added: "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."
Need for Robust Security and Long-Term Plan
Heald emphasised that the immediate priority must be to make the site 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." He continued: "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."
Police Appeal and Increased Patrols
Police Scotland previously issued an appeal urging residents and parents to be aware of ongoing concerns at the derelict hotel. The appeal stated: "We have received reports of young people gaining access to the building, where alcohol is being consumed and fires are being deliberately set. This poses serious risks to life and safety. The building is unsafe, with potential hazards including unstable flooring, exposed materials, and the risk of fire spreading rapidly." Police have increased patrols at the site and warned that any attempt to enter the premises would be considered a criminal offence.
Council Response
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "This is not something that has been raised with us. We do not have any jurisdiction over securing the building and would encourage anyone who witnesses acts of vandalism to contact Police Scotland." The local community remains frustrated over the lack of progress for the site, which sits on one of the main roads in the town.
