Police say they're treating fire at former Border Telegraph offices in Galashiels as 'deliberate', as probe launched
Last updated 16th Dec 2024
Police say they're treating a fire at the former Border Telegraph offices in Galashiels as "deliberate".
Twenty firefighters from as far apart as Innerleithen and Selkirk were called out to extinguish the blaze in the town's High Street after the alarm was raised around 6.40pm last night (Sunday).
Neighouring streets were sealed off while emergency services made the area safe.
Police say no-one was hurt in the suspected arson attack, but an investigation's been launched to find those responsible.
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Detective Constable Ashley Black said: “The fire is being treated as wilful and our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.
“We are asking anyone in the area to get in touch if they saw anything suspicious.
“If you have private CCTV or dash-cam footage that could assist with our investigation then please also call us.”
The local newspaper shared the building with an environmental charity before it was boarded up, after printing was moved outwith the Scottish Borders.
Five years ago, boxes of papers and photographs from years gone by were found abandoned inside by urban explorers and handed over to the care of the Old Gala Club.
In 2009, a planning application was made to Scottish Borders Council for a change of use to the building, from office and printing works to form a leisure facility - with American pool, snooker and virtual golf; as well as two flats.
At the time, the planning statement noted: "The existing buildings are in a poor state of repair having had very little maintenance carried out in the past. Water has penetrated the building in numerous locations with the resultant rot and timber decay."
That was followed in 2010 by an application to create four self-catering holiday units on the site.
While nothing came of those plans, permission was granted in 2022 for a further change of use to allow the front part of the building - which included the former reception area - to reopen as a dentist.
It's currently being marketed for sale at offers over £250,000.
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Concerns have previously been raised about youths accessing derelict buildings in a neighbouring street.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: "We were alerted at 6.37pm on Sunday, December 15th, to reports of a fire within a derelict building on High Street, Galashiels.
"Operations Control mobilised four fire appliances to the scene, and crews extinguished the fire.
"There were no casualties, and firefighters left the scene after ensuring the area was safe."
Anyone who can help is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 2823 of Sunday, December 15th, or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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