CONCERNS are growing over the safety of a derelict building in Port Bannantyne following last month’s pre-Christmas storm and frustrated locals are demanding immediate action.
Buckingham Terrace, a dilapidated structure which has been in a state of disrepair for almost 15 years, has once again been damaged by high winds and debris has been blown off the building onto nearby streets.
This isn’t the first time the property has been damaged or posed a threat to public safety, following a storm almost exactly a year ago this newspaper ran a story about similar structural damage and danger to life when Buckingham Terrace was hit by Storm Jocelyn in January 2024.
Back then local residents expressed their concerns over the amount of debris which had landed near to their homes and cars, which intensified calls for urgent action.
The Buildings at Risk register details the building’s troubled past. Inspected in January 2010, the terrace was found in poor condition, with halted renovation works following the administration of the owner, Barryrange Ltd. Subsequent years saw the building’s condition worsen, with a cannabis farm discovered by Police Scotland in 2016 and the property still on the market in 2019, despite its deteriorating state.
Shortly after Storm Jocelyn last January a meeting of Bute Community Council discussed the issue of Buckingham Terrace and it was revealed that progress with the building had been hindered by legal entanglements with other proprietors.
MP Brendan O’Hara and Fergus Murray, head of Development and Economic Growth and Argyll and Bute Council had been contacted and made aware of the issues with the building and there was hope that certain legal barriers would be lifted, to allow a feasibility study for redevelopment.
However a year on and Buckingham Terrace is now in a worse state of disrepair and public safety is still a major issue. Local residents contacted the Isle of Bute News this week to once again express their concern over the amount of debris which was blown off the building last month, including large chunks of masonry.
One resident explained: “There’s more debris falling into the street including roof tiles and slates which constitutes a public hazard. At the moment the approach of the council seems to be to leave it until an accident happens, which is wholly unsatisfactory.This has been going on for years now, something has to be done.”
This newspaper contacted Argyll and Bute Council for a comment on Buckingham Terrace and an update on any progress with a feasibility study for redevelopment but their offices were closed for the festive holidays.
