A derelict house on one of Moray’s most prestigious streets could be demolished by the council to bring 20 years of problems for neighbours to an end.
Brae Lossie has stood empty for more than two decades after the previous resident there died.
The grand building on Lossiemouth’s Prospect Terrace is in one of the region’s most desirable locations, overlooking the beach at the seaside town.
But, since being left empty, the tired house has been targeted by vandals and used by squatters while windows have been either smashed or boarded up.
After a fire tore through its roof two years ago, the local authority served a demolition order on the ruined building.
And next month, Moray Council will consider a compulsory purchase order (CPO) to take the dilapidated house off the hands of the owner.
One local said: “It has been a nightmare for the last 23 years with all the hassle it has caused.
“I haven’t seen the current owner up here in all that time.
“There has been all kind of trouble with kids and people sort of coming and going over the years.
“If we want to sell up, then it will affect how much we would get. Who wants to come and buy a home next to that?”
Last night, residents explained the fire two years ago was widely regarded as a blessing at the time because it was thought the home would have to be bulldozed.
Fears remain that the house could once again become the scene of another fire or accident if it is left standing.
The owner of the building, Gordon Stewart, is believed to live in the USA.
A Moray Council spokesman said: “There will be a confidential report submitted to the planning and regulatory services committee on August 15 concerning this property and actions taken to date.
“Councillors will be asked to consider what further action should be taken.
“Compulsory purchase of the property is one of the options they will be asked to consider, as the property has been the subject of enforcement action by the council through the serving of a demolition order.”
