Boy, 12, charged after fire at historic former Scottish convent

The former St Benedict’s Convent on Corbelly Hill in Dumfries went up in flames on Tuesday evening.

Boy, 12, charged after fire at former St Benedict’s Convent building in Dumfries Steve Laird

A 12-year-old boy has been charged following a blaze at a historic building in Dumfries.

Emergency services were called to the scene of the former St Benedict’s Convent on Corbelly Hill at around 7.25pm on Tuesday.

Six fire appliances remained at the scene of the blaze until the following morning.

The blaze was successfully extinguished and no injuries were sustained.

All roads nearby have since reopened to the public but the building remains cordoned off.

On Friday, Police Scotland confirmed that a 12-year-old boy has been charged in connection with the incident.

A spokesperson said: “A 12-year-old boy has been charged in connection with a fire in Maxwell Street, Dumfries on Tuesday, May 16, 2023.

“A report will be sent to the relevant authorities.

“All roads have now reopened.”

It’s the second time the landmark has caught fire in the last year, following a huge blaze in August 2022.

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