Ghost-hunters and thrill-seekers have been warned to stay away from an asbestos-ridden former Angus mental asylum.
The Sunnyside site has attracted a number of unwanted visitors including trespassers sneaking into the buildings at night for torchlit ghost hunts.
The former hospital in Montrose has been seen as fair game with up to 30 or 40 visitors coming to the site at a time from on a quest for paranormal activity.
‘Urban explorers’ with a fascination for abandoned buildings and former staff workers at Sunnyside have also been spotted inside the derelict building.
The site owners are threatening to fence off the entire 64-acre site – which is especially popular with dog walkers – if the break-ins continue.
David Stewart, director of Sunnyside Estates, said: “The buildings are boarded up to preserve them by protecting them from the elements and to ensure safety by keeping people out.
“We are continually having to re-do this work due to the buildings being broken into on a regular basis. We cannot stress enough that some of these buildings are unsafe and most contain asbestos.
“The clearly marked signs and boarded-up windows and doors are there for the public’s safety and must be adhered to.
“We are aware of the growing problem with groups of people gathering on the site following notices on social media and of the concerns of those in neighbouring properties over the anti-social activity taking place.
“Unfortunately these people have no respect for other people’s property, the law, or their own safety. Our greatest fear is that someone ends up seriously injured because they have ignored our safety and security measures.”
Sunnyside Hospital closed in 2011.
The site was acquired by Montrose-based Pert Bruce Construction Ltd and Edinburgh based FM Group under the banner of Sunnyside Estates.
The new owners applied for planning permission to build a £100m development of 265 homes in and around the B-listed main buildings.
Historic Environment Scotland has objected to its proposals to level six listed buildings in addition to the likes of the former administration block and chapel.
Talks are continuing between the owners, Angus Council and Historic Scotland but it is unlikely there will be a resolution until some time next year.
Mr Stewart said: “Until we are granted permission to begin work on site, we’re trying to keep the site open for those people who regularly walk through the grounds.
“However, if this activity continues, we will have no option but to fence off the entire site and close access to all.”
Mairi Gougeon, MSP for Angus North and Mearns, said: “There is a very worrying trend appearing here with break-ins to Sunnyside becoming more and more regular.
“Sunnyside is fenced off for a reason. It is a building site and it is clearly no longer open to the public for a range of reasons – not least of all safety grounds.
“I will be making contact with both Sunnyside Estate and Police Scotland to ensure they are fully aware of this situation and take appropriate measures to discourage further break-ins.”
Montrose councillor Bill Duff said: “There have been people breaking in and it’s a real concern because this is a potentially dangerous building.
“The last thing we want is for some sort of mishap and for someone to be seriously injured – or worse. Sunnyside is a popular walking site and it would be a real shame if it was to be fenced off – nobody wants that to happen.”
Police Scotland were asked to comment but did not respond.
