The convent on Corbelly Hill, Dumfries, was the setting for the 2002 film The Magdalene Sisters.
Flames engulfed the historic former convent on Corbelly Hill.The building - which dates back to 1884 - has been abandoned for some time and has been a target for vandals. Streets around the scene have been cordoned off.The fire was already well-developed with flames engulfing the side of the building.
Smoke was still billowing from the site several hours after the blaze broke out and cars parked nearby were covered in ash and debris.After that it had a number of uses including as a film set and a temporary sheriff court.Its chapel was occupied by the Lighthouse religious group but the whole site has been empty for several years prompting concerns about potential vandalism.
Police incident officer, Sgt Adam Potts, said road closures to nearby Maxwell Street and Hill Street were likely to be in place for some time. "Emergency services attended this morning round about half past two when it was discovered there was a significant fire within the convent," he said."It is likely that emergency services will remain on scene throughout the day."One woman who lives near the convent told the BBC she heard banging sounds from the building in the early hours of the morning and then saw the fire."It was in full burning mode.
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