Paton's Mill: Fire fighters at scene of large blaze
Fire fighters battled a large blaze at an A-listed building in Renfrewshire.
The intense blaze, at Paton's Mill in Johnstone, is currently empty but dates back to 1782 when it was reportedly the first machine factory in the world.
Strathclyde Fire and Rescue, who described it as a "major fire" said two aerial rescue pumps were used to douse water over the roof of the building, which was well alight.
A fire spokesman said: "A serious fire is currently taking place in a derelict mill in Main Street, Johnstone, in Renfrewshire. Strathclyde Fire & Rescue's Control Central received the first call about the fire at 15.22hours and the incident was quickly made a Level 2 - minimum of five appliances.
"Two aerial rescue pumps and ground monitors are being used to pour high volumes of water onto the building whose roof is well alight."
The blaze was causing major congestion for motorists in the area with the A737 slip road affected. Millbrae was closed between McDowell Street.
Regeneration plans
A delegation from the Prince of Wales Development Network was due to visit the site in Johnstone next month as part of a plan to save the structure. It was part of a £30,000 feasibility study into regenerating the mill being carried out by the Prince's Regeneration Trust on behalf of Renfrewshire Council.
Renfrewshire Council had spent £25,000 sealing the mill's windows and doors in an effort to protect the iconic building from fire-starters and thieves, who had started to remove lead flashing from the roof.
Leader of the council, Derek Mackay, said: "We have building standards staff on site. They will assess the damage to the building to see what can be salvaged. This is a major disappointment and a serious blow to our efforts to protect an important part of Scotland's industrial heritage."
The mill, in High Street, was originally a cotton spinning factor but later used as a lace manufacturer, where production stopped in 2004.
It was built by the Corse and Burns Company and then taken over by Paton's in 1896 when their first factory in Clark Street was destroyed by fire.
