Fire rips through former residential home on southside destroying it

The fire started around 8pm, and forced nearby residents to evacuate their homes into the street while firefighters tackled the blaze for over two hours.

Scottish Fire and Rescue were able to prevent the fire from spreading into adjacent properties and nearby woodland with reports suggesting no one was harmed in the incident.

The category B listed building was formerly a residential rehabilitation unit, providing treatment for people with alcohol and drug addictions. Since closing several years ago it has lain derelict, and was reagrded as a bit of an eyesore locally.

The property was the subject of a bid of in excess of £1m in December 2015 from the Muslim Welfare House.

Planning permission was submitted to Glasgow City Council in April 2016 to turn the former nursing home into a residential institution housing 14 apartments. In addition, the charity had plans to erect a five-storey extension.

That application was withdrawn however due to local opposition in the area. A number of residents had fears over health and safety issues, availability of parking, and the amount of people who would be accommodated at the residency.

According to the Muslim Welfare House’s website, the charity aims to care for the Muslim community by providing educational, social and welfare services.

Police Scotland has declined to comment on the incident while investigations are ongoing into the causes of the blaze.