A north-east MSP has called on business tycoon Ian Suttie to “gift” the blaze-hit Broadford Works to Aberdeen so that the city can begin safeguarding its future.
SNP MSP Kevin Stewart has written to the owner of the stricken former mill, saying that if he has no intention of developing the site in the “near future”, he should hand it over to people who do.
He accused Mr Suttie of “failing in his duty” to protect the listed buildings and the people who live near them following the third fire there in a month on Saturday.
The MSP has demanded to know what he plans to do with the property.
Meanwhile, a leading councillor has called on Aberdeen City Council to consider buying the former mill to prevent further damage to the historic site.
Police have launched an investigation after a huge blaze on Saturday burned parts of the 19th century factory on Hutcheon Street to the ground.
A 12-year-old schoolboy was quizzed in connection with the incident but has since been released with inquiries ongoing.
The site – owned by Mr Suttie’s company, First Construction – has planning consent for more than 500 homes, commercial space, a restaurant, nursery and parking, but is a favourite spot for fireraisers.
Mr Stewart said something had to be done to protect the premises – and people.
He said: “I condemn the arsonists and I hope that the perpetrators will be caught and dealt with as soon as possible, but the owner of the site has a responsibility to ensure that it is safe and secure and in my opinion he is failing in that duty,” he said.
“People who live beside Broadford Works and many others from across the city and beyond want to know how Mr Suttie intends to ensure that the site is protected.
“The public are also keen to know what his intentions are regarding the development of the site as planning permission has been in place for a considerable amount of time, but no building has taken place.
“If Mr Suttie does not intend to develop the site in the near future then I have suggested that he may wish to gift the site to the city so that action can be taken to safeguard the historic buildings and ensure that the lives of folk nearby are not constantly blighted by the arson attacks that are occurring far too often.”
On Sunday night, Aberdeen businessman Mr Suttie insisted he was doing what he could to prevent further fires.
Nobody from the company was available for comment yesterday .