A homeless man risked torching a Perth landmark when he started a fire for warmth.
David Mersh had been sleeping rough for three weeks in the neglected former Barnhill Tollhouse. Firefighters were alerted to the 38-year-old’s presence when he built a bonfire in the grounds to burn rubbish.
When crews arrived at the property on the city’s Dundee Road, they found he had also built a small fire within the building, which they believed threatened the entire structure.
The A-listed building is the work of celebrated architect Sir Robert Smirke, who also designed Perth Sheriff Court, Kinfauns Castle, Castle Huntly and the British Museum.
Though now officially “at risk”, it is being offered for sale and, despite its condition, retains its impressive features.
Mersh’s solicitor told Perth Sheriff Court that the interior fire had been “very small”.
Sheriff Robert McCreadie, however, said: “This could have had disastrous consequences for the property owner, causing tens of thousands of pounds of damage, if not more.
“It is fortunate that someone saw the fire outside, otherwise Mr Mersh could himself have suffered harm.”
Mersh admitted starting the fire on April 20. Sentence was deferred until June 26 for a psychiatric report and he was remanded in custody.