A fierce blaze has broken out at the former St Benedict's convent in Dumfries, sparking an emergency response. The fire took hold shortly before 2.30am today at the famous landmark, located on Maxwell Street in the town.
Mercy crews including dozens of firefighters from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and officers from Police Scotland raced to the scene in a bid to temper the blaze.
Photos taken at the site, which were shared on social media, show bright orange flames ravaging the abandoned building, which dates back to 1884, while plumes of ashy grey smoke billow into the air.
