The former convent was a “ticking timebomb” according to one councillor who raised issues over vandalism at the site for more than a year.
North West Dumfries representative Graham Bell said: “I’ve warned about this serious issue for a long, long time.
“Residents at Corberry Park and Maxwell Street have warned me about this as well.
“I’m sad to see part of the building has burnt down, it’s an historic and iconic part of Maxwelltown ward in North West Dumfries.”
In April the Conservative councillor warned vandalism in the area “could be escalating to quite a serious problem” and highlighted other issues in the ward.
He added: “We’ve had issues at Lincluden Primary School, the resource centre, private buildings in the ward and the convent.
“I’d say the convent has had these issues for a couple of years now.
“Last October we had a lot of anti-social behaviour with kids going up there and damaging windows, setting fires, pushing things over and damaging things.
“We had another spate at Christmas time and then another episode of it in April.
“The convent was a hot spot, there’s been a lot of trouble there.
“It was a ticking time bomb.”
The councillor also said he had been in contact with the relevant authorities but believes the issue of vandalism is getting worse.
He said: “The main thing is nobody has been hurt in the fire, which is important.
“ But to see a building like this suffer such destruction is sad .
“ In the last year I’ve been in contact with the police and the fire and rescue service.
“I know the fire and rescue service did a risk assessment on the site and they’ve done their best along with the police.
“We have a real problem with antisocial behaviour in North West Dumfries.
“In 15 years as an elected member I think it’s actually escalated.”
