Part of former private school could be demolished after fire and break-ins

Buildings at a former private school in South Lanarkshire could be demolished following reports of break-ins, anti-social behaviour and a fire at the vacant site.

An application has been submitted to the local authority seeking permission to remove buildings surrounding the historic Fernhill School property on Fernbrae Avenue in Rutherglen.

The school closed earlier this year, with Fernhill's directors saying it faced "rising costs and VAT on school fees", as well as many other challenges.

In September a fire broke out at the abandoned premises, with one eyewitness saying fireworks appeared to have been going off inside the building before the blaze started.

The school closure came amid a probe launched by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR), after it found accounts had not been submitted by Fernhill for several years.

Its current owner is seeking to demolish the later additions to the site, but retain the original category C-listed building - which dates back to the late 19th century.

A demolition statement, submitted on behalf of the owner, highlights concerns about the condition and security of the vacant premises since the school closed.

It reads: "Since the closure of the school in mid-2026, there have been multiple reports of break-ins and anti-social behaviour on the site, compounded by a fire to the eastern most ancillary building in September 2026."

The document adds that there are "clear concerns for the safety of the site, and the safety/preservation of the C-Listed building."

The applicant - electronics company Retronix Semiconductor - says the buildings surrounding the listed property were added over a number of years while the site was operating as a school and do not form part of the original historic structure.

Retronix founder Tony Boswell served as a director at Fernhill between 2011 and 2014.

Fernhill School was an independent Catholic school which catered for children from the age of two through to 18.

It was established in 1972 by the School Sisters of Notre Dame, following the building's earlier use as a convent primary school from 1953.

The school closed earlier this year following financial difficulties, leaving its former premises unoccupied.

No future use for the cleared site or the retained listed building has been set out in the submitted proposals.

The application, lodged by Inkdesign Architecture Ltd, is now with South Lanarkshire Council for consideration.

Story by Local Democracy Reporting Service reporter Shannon Milmine.