Increased security measures are keeping firebugs out of a former Tayside hospital.
Fire crews have been called to the former Strathmartine Hospital several times over the last few years.
During April and May there were two severe fires at the derelict site which were both started deliberately.
The company behind plans to transform the dilapidated building into luxury flats said troublemakers were “hell-bent” on breaking in.
Chisels, masonry drills and even sledge hammers have been used to gain access to the building previously.
Area Manager Colin Grieve of Scottish Fire and Rescue said the fires put the “building structure under threat as well as the safety of the public and firefighters”.
He said the dangers of the premises were highlighted after these incidents and security was enhanced following engagement with the owners, Angus Council and Police Scotland.
“At this point those responsible for the deliberate fires earlier this year have not been identified,” he said.
“However, since the security was enhanced we have had no further reports of any activity in that area.”
The deterioration of the Strathmartine building has kept it on the authority’s enforcement list since the beginning of 2008.
Strathmartine is to be the setting for more than 200 new homes after development company Heathfield received approval for major plans at a special meeting of Angus Council.
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The hospital was originally part of an asylum and orphanage in Baldovan, on the outskirts of Dundee.
As such it was the first hospital of its kind in Scotland and the second in Britain.
In 1856 its name was changed to Baldovan Asylum and it expanded its operations after it received its licence under the Lunacy Act of 1858, which legalised its function as a home for children.
In 1948 the running of the hospital was transferred to the National Health Service.
Subsequent developments included a change of name in 1959 to Strathmartine Hospital and major building works in 1963-1965, which saw the demolition of the original premises and the creation of new and improved facilities, including three new single storey wards and a swimming pool.
Two new 25 bed wards were opened in 1980.
It was decommissioned in the late 1980s and closed in 2003.
