TWO Dumbarton councillors say they are "not surprised" after the second fire in less than a month at a derelict building in the area.

Firefighters were called to fight the blaze within the site of the former Dumbuck Hotel on Sunday evening.

It comes after they previously tackled a fire at the property on June 27.

The A814 Glasgow Road between the A82 and Oaktree Gardens was closed while emergency services worked at the scene.

It re-opened at 8.40am on Monday morning.

(Image: Newsquest)

The East Annexe of the 1798 country house has been devastated by both blazes with major damage done to the interior and exterior of the property.

The once popular hotel has been closed since the pandemic, after it was bought by Devilla Property Services.

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) last year removed the category B listing on the building, following an application from its owners - who lodged plans to partially demolish the building.

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The decision came despite more than 90 objections lodged by local residents after HES backed the applicant’s statement that there was “no possibility” of future reuse due to the economic climate and the fact that the fabric of the property was “in a poor state”.

And now Labour councillors David McBride and Gurpreet Johal have voiced their concerns about the future of the site.

"It's extremely disappointing to hear of a second fire at the Dumbuck Hotel," councillor McBride said.

"My views on the de-listing of the building are well known, but sadly, this second incident is not a surprise. 

"I hoped the building would have been secured to protect what was left following the last fire as the future plans materialise. 

"I am very concerned about the building integrity and safety of locals and firefighters who have to attend such incidents.

(Image: Newsquest) "I will be seeking an urgent review from Building Control officers at the council."

Councillor Johal said: "It is rather concerning that a second fire took place, as one would have expected the premises to be secured following the first fire.

"I will be seeking answers as to how the second fire took place along with my colleague Cllr McBride.

"I am grateful to the emergency services and firefighters for their assistance and ensuring our constituents were protected."

MP Douglas McAllister thanked the police and fire service for their work at the scene while also making talking about the historical nature of the building

He added: "I wish to thank the emergency services who responded so quickly to the incident.

"My concerns are for local residents effected now on 2 occasions in such close proximity to each other.

(Image: Newsquest) "It’s incredibly sad to see the destruction of such a historic building in the heart of my constituency, built early 19th Century and with listed status.

"I understand the first incident did not result in the building being completely destroyed but the damage from the most recent fire will now result in mandatory demolition.

"I would expect police and fire services to now carry out a thorough investigation to determine the causes of each incident."

Local residents expressed their dismay at the building catching fire once again.

"It is a real shame as it used to be a great venue for families and weddings," one said. 

"I am not surprised something has happened to it as it has been lying derelict for years, if anything I am surprised it has taken so long for the building to go up in flames."

(Image: Newsquest) Another said: "After the building was not knocked down the first time it seemed likely to happen again.

"I hope it will be demolished soon as it is becoming a real eye sore."