Fire crews tackle large blaze at disused hospital building

Fire crews have worked through the night to tackle a blaze that broke out in a disused hospital building in Aberdeen.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said about 60 firefighters and multiple appliances - which included specialist resources - were sent to Woodend Hospital after the alarm was raised just before 21:50 on Monday.

A spokesperson said crews remained at the building on Eday Road on Tuesday and urged those living nearby to keep windows and doors closed.

NHS Grampian said the blaze was in the Westholme building, about 60m (197ft) from the closest hospital building.

There were no reports of injuries.

NHS Grampian said that no patients or staff currently occupied the building.

"Services and appointments at Woodend Hospital are running as scheduled today and patients should attend as normal," a statement said.

"Site roads adjacent to the disused office building affected by last night's fire are cordoned off and patients should enter the site from Eday Road. Our outpatient car parks remain open.

"The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Police Scotland remain at the scene of the blaze and we'd very much like to thank them for their efforts."

The SFRS described it as a "large and well-developed" fire.

A spokesperson said: "Crews are dampening down hotspots following a building fire at the Woodend Hospital.

"Three fire appliances and a high reach appliance remain in attendance this morning.

"At its height around 60 firefighters from nine appliances and additional specialist resources were mobilised to the scene.

"Crews worked overnight to contain the incident to the first floor and parts of the ground floor, preventing further fire spread."

Police Scotland also advised the public to avoid the area if possible.

"Inquiries to establish the full circumstances are at an early stage," they added.