In the early hours of 23 September 2024, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) were called to a “deliberate” blaze at a derelict hotel in Airth, near Falkirk, Scotland.
SFRS mobilised six fire appliances and a height vehicle worked to tackle the flames at the former Airth Castle site, with crews facing a “well-developed” fire on arrival. This was later reduced to four appliances at the scene.
In an update, the service said: “We are still in attendance at a fire within a two-storey derelict former hotel building in Airth, Falkirk.
“Four appliances remain on scene after the initial call came in just after 1am on Monday, 23 September.
“There are no reports of any casualties and currently there is no threat to the local community.
“Nearby residents may have seen water supplies impacted as we required increased levels of water to assist in tackling the fire.
“We will remain on scene until the incident is brought to a safe conclusion.”
As reported by BBC News, Police Scotland are treating the overnight blaze as “wilful” after parts of the building were “destroyed”.
According to The Herald Scotland, since its closure in 2023, the building has been “plagued by incidents of anti-social behaviour and wilful fire raising, and vandalism”. A fire in May 2024 even led to police stepping up its patrols: “Due to reported crimes, including break-ins, fire raising, damage, and anti-social behaviour, our dedicated police officers have stepped up patrols around Airth Castle and Hotel.”
Following this recent incident, officers are now appealing for more information. Inspector Neil Wotherspoon, Grangemouth Police Office, said: “I’m appealing to anyone who has information about this fire to come forward.
“Were you in the area at the time and saw anyone acting suspiciously? Do you have private CCTV, doorbell footage, or a dashcam which may have picked up anything of significance? If you do, please get in touch with police.
“We are also aware of a number of reports recently of people attending the former castle and hotel to take pictures and videos. I want to stress, this is extremely dangerous given the condition of the building and no one should enter.
“Officers carry out regular patrols of the area and there is fencing to restrict access. We continue to work with partner agencies to discuss deterrent options for the building.”