Demolition fire sparks questions Smoke is seen for miles
Fire and police officers were called out to a large fire at Glassingall Estate near Dunblane last week.
Residents there spoke of ‘dark acrid’ smoke covering the area last Friday following the demolition of Glassingall House the day before.
The estate is currently the subject of a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) from Stagecoach boss Dame Ann Gloag and Active Stirling who plan to create an outward bound centre there.
Glassingall residents however have expressed their opposition to the plans which include the construction of 135 chalets. They believe they are out of keeping with the area and point to the nearby Roman road and sites associated with the 1715 Battle of Sheriffmuir.
This week residents expressed dismay at the razing of Glassingall House and the subsequent fire.
Ailsa Gray, who lives at Old Glassingall, said: “On the morning of Friday, June 12 demolition debris was set on fire. The prominence of the fire, combined with strong winds, meant that the smoke could be seen in Dunblane three miles away.
“Acrid, dark smoke covered most of the estate and the surrounding area for most of the day. Some had to leave their homes to avoid inhaling the smoke.”
Ms Gray added that Glassingall Estate residents had been “greatly inconvenienced” throughout the entire weekend as result of the demolition and fire.
She said: “Roads had to be kept clear to allow fire appliances, police and other traffic unobstructed access. Residents also had to keep away from a large area of the estate including their own homes.”
Dunblane and Bridge of Allan councillor Alasdair Tollemache said this week: “I was contacted on behalf of Glassingall residents who wished to raise their concern about the demolition of an estate house and outbuildings. “
He added he had raised the matter with Stirling Council to seek answers to locals’ questions about the incident.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said this week: “Around 10.10am on Friday June 12, officers were made aware of a fire at Glassingall House, Dunblane. There were no reported injuries and suitable advice was given at the scene, once Scottish Fire and Rescue Service had made the building safe.”
Stirling Council have been contacted for comment on the matter.
When the PAN was submitted in summer 2019, Dame Ann Gloag, who is donating the land to Active Stirling, said: “The proposals will bring back life and economic activity to the idyllic grounds of the Glassingall Estate creating much needed rural jobs and providing a unique destination that will allow all its visitors to escape from the cities and explore this beautiful part of Scotland.”