Owner of historic landmark ordered to make building safe after blazes

The owner of an Aberdeen landmark repeatedly hit by fires has been ordered to make the site safe.

Ian Suttie was handed a dangerous building notice by Aberdeen City Council after three fires at Broadford Works in less than a week. The oil magnate was served with a similar warning in 2012.

The council has told Mr Suttie to put 24-hour security in place at the Maberly Street site by June 29.

Broadford Works fell into ruin after closing its doors in 2004 and has since become a target for vandals.

Police have been called to the former textiles factory 27 times since January.

Aberdeen Central SNP MSP Kevin Stewart said: “While I am pleased that the police are working to deal with this problem, the primary responsibility for resolving the situation lies with the owner of Broadford Works.”

“The deterioration of the buildings is highlighted by the fact that in 2012 a 'standing instruction was provided to all police staff that only in ‘exceptional circumstances should they enter the Broadford Works site’.”

Dangerous building notices are issued when a local authority believes a building is a danger to people who live inside or nearby.

North East Labour MSP Lewis Macdonald said Mr Suttie "must take responsibility for keeping Broadford Works safe".

He added: "The owner of the site has failed to keep up safety and security in recent months. Ian Suttie must take responsibility for keeping this site secure 24/7 because if he does not these incidents will happen again.

“I believe the time has come for Mr Suttie to act."

Broadford Works was once one of the Aberdeen's largest employers, with up to 3000 people working there.

The 200-year-old complex now houses the largest collection of at-risk A-listed buildings in Scotland.

On Thursday, Aberdeen City Council planning boss Dr Maggie Bochel was handed powers to issue Mr Suttie with a dangerous building notice without referring the decision to its planning committee.

Lib Dem councillor Ian Yuill has asked Aberdeen City Council to consider using a compulsory purchase order to buy the buildings.

Stv