Historic Environment Scotland has pledged to assist the council in their investigation into the demolition of a historic Dundee building.
The public body stopped short of condemning the work but noted it would be “highly unusual” for a listed building to be demolished without the proper permission in place.
Meanwhile, the son of the mill’s owner spoke of his “immense sadness” at the loss of the iconic Wallace Craigie jute works.
Dundee City Council confirmed an investigation into the demolition, which began on Friday May 11, of the B-listed building on Broughty Ferry Road was under way.
A digger and staff completed the work on Saturday, effectively razing the building, known as Halley’s Mill, to the ground.
A Historic Environment Scotland spokeswoman said: “We are aware the council plans to investigate the demolition of Craigie Works and have been in contact with the owner.
“It is highly unusual for the demolition of a listed building to take place without following due process and if this is the case here we will assist the council in any way we can.”
Historic Dundee mill left a pile of rubble as demolition concludes despite investigation
A council building standards officer was present as the remainder of the building was brought down on Saturday.
He said: “Our concern at this stage is that the building is left in a safe condition.”
Dundee Museum of Transport chairman Jimmy McDonnell returned to the site briefly to see if the letters from the building’s signage could be saved.
He managed to save four of them on Friday, but was told the rest were already torn down. His plan was to have them on display at Verdant Works, but is unsure if that is tenable with just four.
Guy Halley, whose father and grandfather owned the mill, spoke of his sadness at the news.
The 62-year old, who now lives in Bristol, said: “It’s a great shame for the family and for Dundee.
“The letters on the building stood out over the Tay. It was something to be proud of.
“My grandfather in particular had great affection for Dundee. I’m immensely sad to hear of this.
“I remember walking from Broughty Ferry to the mill in my youth. I have a fond memories of the place.
“I would like to know what has happened. My grandfather would have liked to have some record of this place for all the people who worked there.
“Thousands upon thousands of people would have worked there. Everyone knew someone who worked at Halley’s.”
It is understood Dundee City Council approved a building warrant for the demolition of the former jute works in April after it had been derelict for decades.
Planning permission was granted to convert it into flats as part of a wider development in 2014. This would have seen Craigie Estates Ltd incorporate the facade and features into a modern block.
However, the development did not go ahead and the mill was condemned by council building standards officers.
The site owners applied for a building warrant to demolish the structure in its entirety in December last year.
Numerous calls made to Craigie Estates Ltd for comment went unanswered.
