Historic hostel could remain 'eyesore' ruin for years

Viewhill House was ruined by a fire almost 20 years ago

A historic building in Inverness that was wrecked by fire 17 years ago could remain an "eyesore" for years to come, its owner says.

B-listed Viewhill House was built by Highland engineer Joseph Mitchell in 1835 and later became the city’s youth hostel until its closure in 1998.

Fire broke out after it was bought by Magnus Properties - who have criticised Historic Environment Scotland (HES) for opposing proposals to demolish it for redevelopment.

However, HES said it had not had contact from Magnus Properties since 2011 and had not been consulted on any current demolition plans.

Lindsay Brown, a director of Magnus Properties, said the firm had lost £700,000 on the building, saying: "It's become a money pit."

Mr Brown said the firm had wanted to redevelop the building as private hostel accommodation before the fire in September 2007.

He said they had incurred many costs since, including security fencing and planning reports.

Magnus Properties said it bought Viewhill House to join a portfolio of about 2,000 properties across the UK.

The site near Inverness city centre has views to Inverness Castle and the riverside.

Viewhill House is on a prominent site near Inverness city centre

After the fire, Magnus Properties sought permission to demolish the building.

But Historic Scotland, the predecessor to HES, advised Scottish ministers to refuse permission in 2011.

Mr Brown said he was astonished by this decision due to the condition of the building.

He also claims that Viewhill House had lost much of its historical importance before the fire, as many original features had gone.

He said: "There was one very nice room but the rest wasn't particularly interesting."

"To get rid of an eyesore I think they should allow it to be demolished."

Unsuccessful sales

Mr Brown said flats, apartments or assisted living accommodation could be built on the site instead.

He said the company had also attempted to sell the building on, but this had been unsuccessful.

"We are stuck with it," he added

"We have it insured for landlords and liability but I have been told that kids are getting on to the site and they are playing around in it.

"What I do worry about is someone getting in there and getting hurt."

Lindsay Brown said plans to redevelop the site could not be progressed

Mr Brown said that restoring Viewhill House could run to several million pounds, and grant support was unlikely to be available.

He added: "You have got to take a more realistic approach, a more commercial approach.

"There are much more deserving causes for money than historic buildings."

Mr Brown called on HES to review its opposition to redevelopment, or the site would remain in ruins.

He said: "I would say it will be there another 20 years in the way it is."

A blocked entrance to the property

HES said national policy on listed buildings had changed since the 2011 demolition application for Viewhill House.

It said any future application would be considered against the current guidance.

An HES spokesperson said: "Considerations include whether the building is no longer of special interest and whether repair of the building is economically viable and there has been adequate marketing for new uses."

It said Highland Council would be the main decision-maker for demolition, but it would give advice as a "statutory consultee".

HES said it had not been consulted about "any developing or current proposals to demolish Viewhill House".