The former convent building in Dumfries was ravaged by fire on Tuesday for the second time in nine months.
Six fire engines raced to the scene on Maxwell Street at 7.25pm as smoke and flames were seen billowing out of the iconic structure.
Maxwell Street, Rosemount Street, Church Street, Mill Road, Laurieknowe and Corberry Avenue were closed off for several hours as firefighters tried to bring the “well-developed” blaze under control.
Residents who lived nearby were advised to stay indoors and shut their windows because of the smoke with locals reporting a foul smell during the blaze.
North West Dumfries councillor Graham Bell told the Standard it was an accident waiting to happen.
He said: “This was a ticking timebomb.
“It’s just unbelievable. I’ve raised this issue a number of times at the police, fire and rescue sub and Nithsdale area committees.
“This was always going to be a target again.
“In fairness to the land owner I know he’s tried his best to keep people out of it but the problem we’re facing is there is no deterrent.
“There’s no deterrent to deal with youths for crimes like this.
“We need tougher sentences and a stronger deterrent but sadly we don’t have that in Scotland.”
Mr Bell added: “I know the police, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, community safety teams and the owner have done their best to keep these people out of this type of building.
“This is an iconic building in North West Dumfries and the town as a whole. But this has been very distressing for residents in and around the area on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.”
Scenes filmed in the convent, which was built in 1884, featured in the 2002 movie The Magdalene Sisters but it been largely unused since then.
The site is owned by Queen of the South chairman Billy Hewitson and there are plans to convert it into affordable housing.
A fire service spokesperson said: “Operations control mobilised six appliances to the area where firefighters were met with a well-developed fire.
“Three remained on scene until Wednesday morning to extinguish the fire. There are no casualties.”
Police are working with the fire service officers to determine the cause of the inferno.
A 19-year-old man was arrested and charged with the first blaze at the site which took place on August 9 2022.
