People have been warned to stay away from a historic Angus building amid fears someone could be seriously hurt.
The former Sunnyside Hospital near Montrose, which remains on the Buildings at Risk Register, was open for 230 years and was the oldest psychiatric hospital in Scotland.
The theft-hit building is boarded up and riddled with asbestos after closing in 2011 and the police have warned people to keep out following a trespass incident.
A number of people were traced and given a warning after being found within the building and Councillor David May said it was “extremely concerning”.
He said he was concerned for the safety of people who trespass and also the safety of the building itself in the wake of a recent derelict hospital fire at Strathmartine.
“I completely agree with the police because this building is dangerous and people should stay out,” he said.
“There was a major fire at the former Strathmartine Hospital recently and it would be appalling to think the same thing would happen to this beautiful building.
“I am concerned for the safety of people and the safety of the building there is nothing worth taking and they should stay out.”
The original Montrose Asylum, which was the first in Scotland, was established by local woman Susan Carnegie, funded by public subscription and opened in 1781.
Expanding patient numbers led to the purchase of a new site at Hillside which was designed by the architect William Lambie Moffatt, and the hospital buildings opened in 1857.
Notable patients include the father of Arthur Conan Doyle, who was a talented artist, and Adam Christie, who sculpted the Hillside Robert Burns plaque.
Mr May said: “My hope is that someone will take up the idea of renovating the building and perhaps turning them into flats.
“It is a beautiful building with fantastic views across Montrose and the Basin and it’s a shame to see it falling into disrepair.”
A police spokeswoman said: “Whether it’s adults or children who wrongly think such buildings serve as a playground or place to explore, or the less well intentioned looking to steal property, the message is the same keep out.
“Derelict buildings can be and often are very unsafe and pose a genuine danger to anyone who ventures in.
“Police officers are aware of this issue and will continue to give the area their attention.”