Dundee building dubbed ‘Hogweed Manor’ after plant infestation

A derelict building in Dundee has been overrun with giant hogweed.

The unoccupied property, on Broughty Ferry Road, has a well-established infestation of the plant.

Giant shoots are reaching above the first floor of the building which was barely visible and completely surrounded by the weed.

Vaquar Salimi, 50, who lives next door to the premises, said: “It is really bad next door. We have some at the bottom of our garden but not nearly as much as there. We have had ours removed but it just keeps coming back we don’t know what to do about it,” she said.

“I tried to get support from the council but they said they couldn’t do anything about it.”

Alistair Hood, curator of Dundee University Botanic Garden, says the area is a breeding ground for giant hogweed due to a nearby railway line. “A train going past at 100mph will spread the seeds a long way,” he said.

A Dundee City Council spokeswoman said: “Environmental health officers have been in touch with the owners to offer advice.”

The owner of the property declined to comment on the situation when approached.