When I drive past the gaunt remains of Hillside House I wonder why the fire happened. Today I received the answer from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
I am told that Police Scotland have not charged anyone in relation to this incident and enquiries are now complete, pending any further information being received.
The fire was discovered at approximately 10.05pm on 26 August last year by a member of the public who had then contacted the fire service. The Georgian-era building had been unoccupied and derelict for a period of time prior to the fire.
The original building sustained severe fire damage throughout. The roof had collapsed and internal floors had also failed then collapsed on to the ground floor. Due to the severe level of fire damage sustained, a physical excavation of the building was not possible due to risk of further collapse.
Police Scotland indicated that there had been previous incidents of anti-social behaviour involving youths at the property.
The conclusion reached from the joint investigation between Police Scotland and the fire service was that this fire would have been caused by deliberate ignition.