You know the score: building is neglected, building deteriorates, building goes on fire (probably), building is pulled down, building is gone for good. In Glasgow, it’s been happening over and over again – but you know that too, look at the rubble – and this week it’s been happening in Paisley. The question now is what we can do to make it stop.

But let’s go through some of the details of the Paisley case first because I’ve seen the emails that have been flying around between the interested parties and they reveal a couple of important points about listed buildings and how we protect them (or don’t). On the face of it, the rules are pretty strong and local councils have the power to enforce them. In reality, it looks like the rules aren’t working, the system is being gamed and we’re going to have to change the law to stop it.

The building in question this time round is the former Territorial Army centre on Paisley’s High Street. Designed by architect and son of Paisley Thomas Abercrombie, it was built in 1896 and is, or was, a fine example of his work. It is, or was, also a recognisable part of the landscape for people who know Paisley and we should do what we can to protect that because it matters. Do not destroy the places that made us.

The issue with the TA building is very familiar, sadly. Occupied til the 90s, it lay empty for ages and there were various ideas about what it could be used for, including student accommodation. Then in 2020 there was a fire (surely not!) which left the building with no roof, and no roof means accelerated deterioration, which is exactly what happened.

The possible way forward at this point seemed to be retaining the façade as part of a bigger development – not ideal but it’s better than nothing. Scaffolding was put up around the remains, but in October last year, the owners, the JR Group, started removing the supports, meaning there was effectively nothing to protect........

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