Monday October 26th 2026
The long boarded-up Dreadnought Hotel in Bathgate's Whitburn Road. The new register will help first responders identify risk potential in empty buildings.
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Stuart Sommerville
There’s at least one in every community.
The eyesore building that has sat empty for years, where nothing has been done with it – until it burns to the ground.
A new initiative involving the emergency services and West Lothian Council hopes to identify risk potential in derelict buildings in towns and villages across the county.
Gerry Hughes from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) told councillors an “At Risk” register would help keep the public and front-line services safer.
Often SFRS first become involved when the long-derelict building is set ablaze, with fire crews tackling unknown dangers in crumbling buildings.
Mr Hughes told councillors: “We can identify risks before anything happens.”
The SFRS officer told a meeting of the Community Safety Board: “Derelict and unoccupied properties can create significant risks to communities and emergency responders — early identification and intervention can prevent these risks from escalating.”
The key risks in these properties are that they become the focus of deliberate fire-setting and anti-social behaviour.
Other hazards include rodent infestation, structural and environmental degradation, including the collapse of utility infrastructure such as electricity and gas supply.
Derelict buildings also often become targets for fly-tipping and can be used for criminal activity or for rough sleeping.
The SFRS pointed out that where empty buildings were effectively managed there was controlled access, regular maintenance and active and functioning security systems.
The new policy brings SFRS and Police Scotland into partnership with council departments such as Building Services, Environmental Health and the Housing Department.
Councillor Craig Meek, Labour, welcomed the proposals and worried that there was no existing co-operation. The SFRS officer said that at present fire-fighters dealt reactively- attending blazes in derelict properties without knowledge of what could be inside.
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“Who would be the first point of contact for constituents if they had concerns about a building?” Councillor Meek asked.
Mr Hughes suggested that it would be the council, either council departments or local councillors.
Head of Housing Julie Whitelaw said the new policy promoted a “multi-agency approach.”
Councillor Meek told the meeting: “This a good example of true partnership working. We see this time and time again with various agencies working in West Lothian to deliver.”
Depute council leader, Labour’s Susan Manion, said the report highlighted “a huge issue, not just for the council” and added it gave clarity that “there is oversight.”
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