Former Scots convent on fire for second time in nine months

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Emergency services are battling a huge blaze at a former Scots convent for the second time in a matter of months.Fire crews are currently at the former St Benedict's convent in Dumfries and are urging members of the public to stay away from the area.Residents are being asked to not block any roads with vehicles in surrounding areas as emergency crews will require access to all streets.Videos of the massive blaze posted on social media show dark clouds of smoke billowing into the air as the inferno can be seen from a distance, with the historic building engulfed in flames.A Police Scotland statement said: "Emergency Services are dealing with reports of a fire at the Old Convent in Dumfries."Avoid the area and do not block roads with your vehicles in the surrounding area.

Emergency vehicles will require access to ALL surrounding streets. Stay Away. Stay Safe."It comes just nine months after the abandoned building, which dates back to 1884, was deliberately set alight in August 2022.

A 19-year-old man was charged in connection with the incident.The property is known for being the setting for Peter Mullan's 2002 film, the Magdalene Sisters. Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.