EDINBURGH FLAT RESIDENTS TOLD TO LEAVE OVER FIRE SAFETY CONCERNS

Residents at the Bonnington Bond on Breadalbane Street in Edinburgh have been instructed to leave their homes immediately following fire safety investigations that identified serious issues with the building's cladding and insulation. Persimmon Homes, which owns the complex, sent an email to residents on Monday recommending temporary relocation due to what it described as a "high fire risk identified within the building". The developer stated that relocation was necessary while longer-term remediation works are developed and carried out. BBC Scotland understands that several residents have already left the building, whilst others are considering their options.

The complex contains more than 100 flats and was constructed on the site of a former whisky bond. A fire in March 2024 injured two firefighters and rendered several flats uninhabitable, with additional properties damaged by smoke. A subsequent City of Edinburgh Council report found that a building survey carried out in May 2022 had identified combustible cladding and insulation, combustible decking, internal fire-stopping issues, and seven internal lifts deemed non-compliant. Following the 2024 fire, Persimmon implemented safety measures including waking watches and fire supervisors.

Persimmon said emergency temporary accommodation would be provided to affected residents in hotels or serviced apartments, but could not guarantee proximity to the building. The developer stated that residents will not be permitted to bring furniture or large personal items to the temporary accommodation. No timescale has been set for completion of the remediation works, as the full scope of works has not yet been finalised, according to Persimmon.