STARK images taken by the Courier show the damage caused by the fire yesterday at the former Edenhall Hospital site in Musselburgh, which resulted in a large operation by emergency services.
On Sunday evening, firefighters tackled the blaze at the old hospital for nearly six hours, with crews from Newcraighall, Dalkeith, Musselburgh, Liberton, Marionville and McDonald Road all on the scene, while police officers were still present on Monday morning.
Pictures show a number of the outer buildings badly damaged, their interiors covered with black burn marks all over the walls and ceilings.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they were called out to “a large derelict building well alight”.
Firefighters remained on the scene until about 12.25am this morning.
One local resident told the Courier: "It is really sad to see the hospital being treated this way as so many people in the local area have fond memories of Edenhall."
The hospital closed in 2010 and has been for sale since 2016.
In 2019, Stewart Milne Homes Ltd withdrew a planning application to develop the site for housing.
The site, which was associated with the estate of the Lindsay family in the early 19th century, became disused in 2010 following NHS Lothian’s decision to relocate services to the newly developed Musselburgh Primary Care Centre.
A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “Around 6.40pm on Sunday, we were made aware of a fire at two derelict buildings at Edenhall Hospital, Edenhall Road in Musselburgh.
“The fire was put out by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and no one was injured.
“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”
The site has suffered from some anti-social behaviour in recent years, but the cause of the fire is unknown.
NHS Lothian has been contacted for comment.
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