Future Uncertain for Historic Dumfries Industrial Site

Travelers heading south towards Dumfries have likely noticed a substantial, deteriorating remnant of the region’s industrial heritage. Situated just north of the town, a factory once manufactured vehicles, airplanes, and wellington boots. This location, which has operated under various names—most recently Interfloor—is now in a state of severe disrepair and poses safety concerns due to frequent unauthorized entries. The question arises regarding the future of this formerly innovative factory, now facing significant challenges. For two decades, Jayne Pringle has resided a short distance from the premises. Having grown up locally, she, like numerous family members, was employed at the factory for a period. She recalls its prosperous era when it supported residents in nearby Locharbriggs, Heathhall, and surrounding communities. Jayne recounted, “It kept a roof over a lot of people’s heads to be honest, because it was really busy.” She added, “I remember, if you drove by when they were shutting at night or there was a shift that was changing, there were people crossing the road at all places.” She also noted, “The car park was full of cars and the factory shop would be busy.” She expressed that witnessing the deterioration after companies vacated the site had been “quite sad.” Nevertheless, she holds no sentimental attachment regarding its ultimate destiny. She clarified, “I really think I would like to see it just knocked down and cleared because you look out your window and all you see is the broken windows, the fire damage, the trees growing out the roof.” She continued, “It’s just bricks and mortar really, I’m kind of like that.” She further stated, “I’m from a family of builders and that was their kind of thing, well, ‘it’s bricks and mortar’.” Jayne additionally mentioned that the site had become a “waste or resources” for emergency services responding to reports of intrusions. She stated: “I’ve actually given up phoning about it because I just think well, what can I do?” She further conveyed, “I really feel as well, that maybe nothing’s going to happen until somebody’s killed or seriously injured.” She highlighted the danger, “They’re on the roof and, if they fall through the roof, it’s like three or four floors.” Jayne suggested that either demolition or a substantial clean-up would significantly improve the locality. She expressed a desire for something “half decent” such as a “nice wee park or something,” noting a general consensus that action was necessary. She concluded, “I don’t think I’ve ever spoken to anybody who hasn’t agreed it’s an eyesore.” She lamented, “But they can’t seem to do anything about it and it’s just so annoying.” Historically, the location holds significance. Its construction followed a 1912 visit by prominent individuals from the Scottish car manufacturer Arrol-Johnston to Detroit, where they observed production methods at Ford’s Highland Park facility. Historic Environment Scotland (HES) identified it as Scotland’s inaugural instance of a “daylight factory,” incorporating Truscon (Trussed Concrete Steel Co) reinforced concrete systems. Automobile manufacturing continued for approximately two decades, during which work was also performed on Sir Malcolm Campbell’s Bluebird, a vehicle that achieved the world land speed record. In World War II, the factory was reconfigured to manufacture aircraft engines and, subsequently, complete aircraft. Subsequently, it transformed into a specialized rubber production facility for various companies, manufacturing diverse items, notably Hunter Boots. Hunter departed in 2008, with Interfloor following several years later, rendering the site unoccupied. Mark Watson, from the industrial heritage team at HES, asserted that the former factory remained a structure meriting preservation. He stated, “Besides the importance of using existing buildings for the carbon already embodied in them – so reducing the impact on climate change that results from new-build – there is a remarkable story to tell about this building in Dumfries.” Meanwhile, the location presents difficulties for law enforcement, and PC Alistair Hope confirmed that measures to prevent unauthorized access were continuing. He remarked, “The dangers and risks around entering disused and abandoned buildings are well-documented.” “We are aware of reports of young people entering the former Interfloor factory and we regularly patrol the site to deter this behaviour,” he added. “We would encourage parents to speak to their children regarding the risks around entering abandoned buildings in an effort to deter this behaviour.” Dumfries and Galloway Council has been contending with this matter for an extended period, but a potential resolution may be emerging. Following years of attempting to collaborate with the owners, a recent report to the local authority indicated that the company it had been engaging with had since been dissolved. Consequently, the factory is now deemed “bona vacantia”—ownerless—and reverts to the Crown. The council has initiated discussions with the King’s and Lord Treasurer’s Remembrancer (KLTR), the entity authorized to manage such property. Through its Ownerless Property Transfer Scheme (OPTS), public bodies are able to acquire properties at a cost “often well below market value.” The KLTR verified that it had informed Dumfries and Galloway Council and South of Scotland Enterprise about this prospect. It stated that the local authority had until February next year to evaluate whether to submit an application for the site’s acquisition. This development could facilitate the discovery of a viable regeneration opportunity. Presently, however, the council routinely inspects and mends the fencing it has erected, acknowledging this as an “extremely challenging situation.” A further report on this topic is anticipated in the new year, potentially leading to a new course of action for the former car factory.