A teenager torched a former hospital building, completely destroying it and leaving it structurally unsound.

Aarron Beveridge, 19, admitted setting fire to a building at the former Strathmartine Hospital, by Dundee, on June 1, 2013.

Forfar Sheriff Court heard the derelict hospital, which is earmarked for future building projects, has been repeatedly targeted by teenage vandals and fire-raisers.

The court heard Beveridge and a friend went to the hospital and set the outbuilding alight, destroying its entire contents and rendering it unsafe.

Fiscal depute Joanne Smith said: "At the time of the incident there had been a number of problems with youths vandalising the area and setting fires.

"The fire was discovered around 10am on June 1, 2013, and police were contacted. They found the building well alight.

"A farmer gave a description of two males walking away from the locus and the accused was then traced. He smelled strongly of smoke.

"The accused was found to be in possession of a pair of gloves and a balaclava. He gave a no comment interview but when he was charged he said 'I know I did it like, it was stupid, I know'."

Beveridge, 19, of Teviotdale Avenue, Dundee, pleaded guilty on indictment to a charge of wilful fire-raising.

His co-accused, Liam Burns, 18, of Ballantrae Terrace, Dundee, had his not guilty plea to the same charge accepted by the Crown.

Sheriff Gregor Murray deferred sentence until next month for social work background reports and released Beveridge on bail meantime.

He said: "You have no record at all and have appeared on indictment for a serious offence.

"A custodial sentence is still a possibility even despite your lack of record."