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Crews tackle historic mill fire Crews tackle derelict mill blaze
(20 minutes later)
A "major fire" at a historic derelict mill in Renfrewshire is being tackled by firefighters. Strathclyde Fire and Rescue has said it is tackling a "major fire" in a derelict mill in Renfrewshire.
Paton's Mill in Johnstone, built in 1782, is believed to be the world's oldest surviving machine factory. Crews were called to the building in High Street, Johnstone, at about 1522 BST on Wednesday.
Crews from Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Service were called to the category A-listed building on the High Street earlier. A spokesman from Renfrewshire Council said the fire had caused "severe traffic congestion" in the area.
The fire had caused "severe traffic congestion" in the area, a spokesman for Renfrewshire Council said. The fire service said the blaze was "quickly" classified as a level two incident - meaning that a minimum of five appliances were called out.
Millbrae was closed between McDowell Street and the access to the Morrison supermarket, the council said.
This is a serious blow to our efforts to protect an important part of Scotland's industrial heritage Derek MackayRenfrewshire Council
Two aerial rescue pumps are being used to pour water onto the roof of the building, which is well alight.Two aerial rescue pumps are being used to pour water onto the roof of the building, which is well alight.
It is understood that there is no threat to neighbouring buildings.It is understood that there is no threat to neighbouring buildings.
The fire service said the blaze was "quickly" classified as a level two incident - meaning that a minimum of five appliances were called out. The council spokesman said Millbrae was closed between McDowell Street and the access to the Morrison supermarket.
Paton's Mill is the earliest surviving cotton mill in Scotland and one of the earliest in Britain.
It was built on the banks of the Black Cart River by the Corse and Burns Company and was a fully operational textile factory for nearly 220 years continuously.
Most recently it was used for making shoe laces, before Paton's moved its operation to a nearby business park.
'Major disappointment'
The mill is owned by GWM Developments of Belfast.
Planning permission granted in June 2004, to develop the building into flats and office space, has now lapsed.
A delegation from the Prince of Wales Development Network was shortly due to visit as part of a £30,000 feasibility study into regenerating the mill.
Derek Mackay, leader of Renfrewshire Council, said building standards staff were on site to assess damage to the building and see what could be salvaged.
He added: "This is a major disappointment and a serious blow to our efforts to protect an important part of Scotland's industrial heritage."
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