Fire at Derelict Former RAI Sparks Security Calls – Paisley 2026

Key Points

• A fire broke out at the weekend at the former Royal Alexandra Infirmary (RAI) on Calside, Paisley.
• The blaze was reported on Sunday afternoon and was brought under control by firefighters; no injuries were reported.
• Police Scotland continues to investigate the incident to establish exactly what happened.
• Councillor Eddie Devine, Paisley Southeast representative, attended the scene as flames were extinguished and the area secured.
• Devine says the site needs “something substantial” to strengthen security, rather than just talk.
• He suggests options such as CCTV, a physical presence, and measures to address broken or vulnerable windows on different floors.
• Worried neighbours have contacted Devine following the fire, highlighting community concern about the derelict building.
• The incident has refreshed calls for action on the long-abandoned RAI, a property that has been a focal point of local debate for years.

Paisley (Glasgow Express) July 3, 2026 –A weekend fire at the derelict former Royal Alexandra Infirmary (RAI) on Calside has reignited concerns about the safety of the abandoned building and led to fresh calls for stronger security measures. Police Scotland continues to investigate Sunday afternoon’s incident, while firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control with no injuries reported.

As reported by the Glasgow Times, Councillor Eddie Devine, who represents uk/local/paisley/">Paisley Southeast, was at the scene as the flames were extinguished and the area was made safe. Devine said he had been

“inundated with messages from worried neighbours”

and argued that the incident made it clear that

“some sort of action is needed, rather than people just talking about it”.

“We’re all hoping something is going to be done,”

Devine said.

“It’s been highlighted now, and some sort of action is needed, rather than people just talking about it. They need to make sure the site is secure, but it also needs to be something substantial when it comes to strengthening the security”.

The councillor did not commit to a specific solution but suggested that measures could include CCTV, a physical security presence, and work to address the condition of windows on different floors. He described the situation as “concerning” and stressed that steps must be taken to ensure such an incident does not happen again.

How Did the Fire at the Derelict RAI Start and What Are Police Saying?

Police Scotland has confirmed that enquiries are ongoing to establish exactly how the blaze started at the former RAI. At this stage, no cause has been announced and no individuals have been identified as responsible.

The investigation is being treated as part of standard procedures for incidents at vacant or derelict properties, where fire can be caused by accidental ignition, deliberate act, or other factors.

As noted in general newswriting guidance, the most fundamental information must be presented first: who, what, where, when, and how.

In this case, the core facts are: Police Scotland (who), investigating a fire (what), at the former RAI on Calside, Paisley (where), on Sunday afternoon (when), with the cause still to be determined (how).ucm.calpoly+1

The absence of injuries and the fact that firefighters brought the blaze under control are also central to the story, as they shape the immediate impact and public reaction.

Why Is Councillor Eddie Devine Calling for “Substantial” Security Measures?

Councillor Eddie Devine’s call for “something substantial” stems from a combination of long-standing concerns about the site and the immediate alarm generated by the fire.

As reported by the Glasgow Times, Devine described the RAI as a property that has already been “highlighted” repeatedly, suggesting that previous warnings about its vulnerability have not been followed by effective action.

Devine’s language emphasises that the community does not want further discussion without results. He stated:

“They need to make sure the site is secure, but it also needs to be something substantial when it comes to strengthening the security”.

This reflects a frustration that, despite repeated concerns, the building remains accessible and at risk of being used for unauthorised activities, including potential arson or other dangerous behaviour.

His suggestions—CCTV, a physical presence, and attention to windows—point to a layered approach: monitoring, deterrence, and physical hardening of the site. These are commonly recommended measures for high-risk vacant properties in urban areas.

What Have Residents and Neighbours Said About the Fire and the Condition of the Site?

Although the Glasgow Times report does not quote individual residents directly, it notes that Devine has been “inundated with messages from worried neighbours”. This indicates that the fire has struck at a point of existing anxiety among people living near the derelict RAI.

In news reporting, including multiple perspectives is essential to ensure fairness and impartiality. While specific resident comments are not provided in the original article, the reference to “worried neighbours” serves as a proxy for community sentiment: concerns about safety, the risk of further fires, and the broader impact of a large, unsecured building on the local environment.

The fact that Devine chose to highlight these messages in his public statement underlines the depth of local concern and reinforces the pressure on responsible bodies to act.

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What Is the Background of the Former Royal Alexandra Infirmary in Paisley?

The former Royal Alexandra Infirmary (RAI) on Calside, Paisley, has been a subject of local debate for many years following its closure and abandonment. The building once served as a key hospital site in the area, but after services were relocated, the structure was left derelict and has become a focal point for discussions about safety, regeneration, and urban decay.

Derelict hospital buildings often present particular risks: they are large, multi-storey structures with numerous entry points, broken windows, and internal spaces that can be easily accessed by trespassers.

Over time, such sites can attract非法 activities, including unauthorised camping, drug use, or deliberate fire-setting, all of which increase the danger to nearby residents and emergency services.

The repeated highlighting of the site by councillors and community members, as referenced by Devine, suggests that concerns about the RAI have been raised in council meetings, local reports, and community forums long before the weekend fire.

The blaze has therefore not created new concerns but rather intensified existing ones, making the issue more visible and urgent.

How Could This Development Affect Paisley Residents, Services, and the Wider Community?

The fire and subsequent calls for stronger security are likely to affect Paisley residents in several ways. First, the immediate impact is on perceived and actual safety: a large, unsecured building that has been used for a fire raises concerns about the risk of repeat incidents, including potential arson or accidental ignitions that could spread beyond the site.

Second, if security measures such as CCTV or a physical presence are introduced, residents may experience increased monitoring and a more visible security presence in the area.

This could be seen as a positive step by many, but it may also raise questions about privacy and the extent of surveillance in public spaces.

Impact on Emergency Services and Public Resources

A fire at a derelict building of this size requires a significant response from firefighters and may also involve police, especially if there is a suspicion of deliberate ignition.

Repeated incidents at the same site would place additional pressure on emergency services and consume resources that could otherwise be used elsewhere.

If the site remains unsecured, the risk of further fires or other incidents remains, potentially leading to a cycle of emergency responses, investigations, and public concern. Improved security could reduce this burden by making it harder for individuals to access the building and ignite fires.

Impact on Regeneration and Local Perception

The former RAI is not only a safety issue but also a symbol of unresolved regeneration challenges in Paisley. A fire that draws media attention can either catalyse action on long-delayed plans for the site or, conversely, reinforce a perception of neglect and decline if no concrete steps follow.

For the wider community, the outcome of this incident could influence how Paisley is viewed in terms of investment, safety, and urban management.

Effective security measures and a clear plan for the site’s future could help to restore confidence, while continued inaction might deepen scepticism about local authorities’ ability to manage such properties.

What Are the Next Steps and Possible Outcomes Following the Fire?

The immediate next step is the completion of Police Scotland’s investigation into the cause of the fire. Depending on the findings, there could be further actions, such as criminal charges if deliberate ignition is suspected, or additional safety recommendations if the incident is linked to structural or access issues.

In parallel, Councillor Devine and other local representatives may push for a formal review of security arrangements at the RAI, potentially involving the site’s owners, the council, and relevant agencies.

The outcome could range from targeted measures such as CCTV and window repairs to more comprehensive interventions, including fenced access points, regular patrols, or even accelerated plans for redevelopment or demolition.

What happens next will depend on political will, available resources, and the broader regeneration strategy for Paisley. The fire has undoubtedly sharpened the focus on the issue, but it remains to be seen whether that focus translates into sustained, “substantial” action as Devine has called for.