A new campaign has been launched to save Paisley’s rotting old hospital.
The elaborate Royal Alexandra Infirmary building is in such a state it's being threatened with the wrecking ball.
Now a bid has been launched by passionate local Jim McIlroy to try and make a difference.
He said: “I am asking for the support of Paisley residents to send a clear message that we want the wilful neglect of this listed building to stop.
“Further inaction is not acceptable and we are battling to have this historic property secured, re-sold and redeveloped.”
Part of the old Paisley RAI - the Peter Coats-funded nurses home - was converted into flats known as Alexandra Gate in 1995.
But the rest of the Neilston Road site has become a carbuncle, left to decay, has been hit by vandalism, firmeand bad weather.
It’s understood the owner of the B-listed building is based in London and Jim revealed he is due to speak to Renfrewshire Council to see if they can intervene.
He began his campaign among family and friends and believes “people power” can encourage the Council to take action.
The 234-bed hospital opened in 1900 and had three pavilions, a separate block to handle infectious patients and even a 100-seater chapel.
It shut 35 years ago with the Royal Alexandra Hospital opened off Craw Road.
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But a care home operated until 2008 before it was sealed off and placed on the Buildings at Risk Register for Scotland in 2010.
The building was designed in the Scottish baronial style by local architect Thomas Graham Abercrombie.
Jim added: “This historically important listed building has deliberately been left to rot and it’s now in a dangerous state.
“It’s been ignored for too long and that’s encouraged anti-social and criminal behaviour.
“It’s important for the people who live around it that something is done and it’s important for the town that our listed buildings are saved, restored and redeveloped.”
People can register their support at https://www.SaveTheRAI.com/
A spokesman for Renfrewshire Council said: "It is unfortunate the Royal Alexandra Infirmary building has been allowed to deteriorate to the extent it has, and we share the frustration of the local community at that.
"As it is a privately-owned building, the council has very little scope to intervene, beyond making sure the building is safe. We have been in contact with the owner over the years and understand his aim is to sell the building for development.
“We are happy to speak to any community groups who have an interest in the building to see if there is anything we can do to assist them.”
