The Braelossie building has lain empty for 20 years and after suffering extensive fire damage in 2015, it was made the subject of a demolition order.

Following a full meeting of the council last week, the local authority has agreed to pursue a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) from Scottish Ministers which would see the council purchase the property before selling it on the open market.

As attempts to contact the building’s last owner have failed, legislation allows the council to apply for a CPO or enforce a demolition order when all other attempts to address issues at the site have been unsuccessful.

The large residential building is split into two flats and has had to be secured on numerous occasions by the council’s building standards officers.

The council said it hopes the building can be brought back into residential use.

Councillor James Allan said: “This is good news for all those that live along that street; it’s been a haven for vandalism and squatters, a real eyesore in a prime spot.

“I don’t expect there will be any shortage of interest in the property once it is placed on the market.”