In 2018, Brechin Infirmary was considered “surplus to requirements” by NHS Tayside, after healthcare services were moved elsewhere in Angus. It had not been operational since 2015 as health chiefs deemed it “unsuitable for the delivery of modern healthcare”.

Local campaigners Brechin Healthcare Group had hoped to transform the building into a community health hub, however, their application was refused by site owners NHS Tayside and their appeal to the Scottish Government was also refused.

A supporting statement for the pre-planning application said the building should be demolished to stop it becoming a blight on the town, The Courier reports.

It said: “There is an extremely low probability of the need arising for Brechin Infirmary to reopen, even in the event of a population increase in the region. It is more likely facilities at other locations would be expanded.

“The site has been vacant since October 2015 and the buildings have been unutilised and entered a state of dereliction in this time. The site should therefore be considered for alternative, non-health related use to avoid it becoming a long-term vacant site and a blight on the town.”

Grahame Lockhart, chairman of the Brechin Healthcare Group, added: “Of course we were disappointed that we couldn’t provide a community asset. NHS Tayside said no and whatever they do to the building is up to them.

“Rather than taking issue on the decision, we have accepted it and are now looking for groups within the community to help build our vision. We are hopeful that our dreams to have a community hub in the town turn into reality in the near future.”

A spokesperson for NHS Tayside said: “Tayside NHS Board declared Brechin Infirmary as surplus to requirements in February 2018.

“This was reaffirmed by a further board decision in June 2021 to move to final disposal of the site by clearing the site and marketing it for future development. Preparations are under way on site to enact this board decision.”