Edinburgh residents 'in fear of their lives' as MSP demands faster action on cladding at Bonnington flats

An Edinburgh MSP has urged the Scottish Government to “step up the pace” on removing dangerous cladding from Scotland’s buildings adding that people are living “in fear of their lives”.

Sanne Dijkstra-Downie said it was “hugely worrying” that the Scottish Government has removed cladding from only three of the 1,000 buildings in Scotland suspected to be affected.

The Liberal Democrat MSP for Edinburgh Northern made the comments after residents of the Bond Building on Breadalbane Street were told they must leave their homes after safety checks found the building to be high risk.

It is understood that residents were told on Monday that they would be “decanted” from the building ahead of remediation works being carried out. Residents could be out of their homes for as much as two years under the current plans.

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Ms Dijkstra-Downie said: “I am very concerned by the situation at the Bonnington Bond flats, especially when this was the site of a terrible fire only two years ago.

“I will be working closely with Persimmon Homes and the council to understand plans for temporary accommodation and remediation work to address the fire risks.

“This news comes just weeks after we marked the ninth anniversary of the Grenfell Tower disaster. In that context, it is hugely worrying that the Scottish Government have only removed cladding from three of the almost 1,000 buildings in Scotland suspected to be at risk from it. That simply isn't acceptable.

“People are in fear of their lives and just want to know that their homes are safe. That is why my party will keep up the pressure on the government to urgently step up the pace of cladding checks and removals.”

Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP | Jane Barlow/Press Association

In an email sent to residents earlier this week, Persimmon Homes said: “Based on the advice, and as a precautionary measure in the interests of resident safety, Persimmon Homes is strongly recommending that all residents temporarily relocate from the Bond Building.

“We appreciate that this news will be upsetting and disruptive, and we sincerely apologise for the impact it will have. However, based on the expert advice received, we believe this is the safest and most responsible course of action while longer-term remediation works are developed and carried out.”

Residents will be temporarily relocated while work is carried out. Earlier this year, some residents of the building told the Edinburgh Evening News that 80 weeks of remediation work had not been disclosed to them by landlords and letting agents when they signed their tenancy agreements.

A spokesperson for Persimmon Homes and the Bond Building Owners Committee said: “Following recent detailed investigations of the building, experts have advised that residents should relocate from their apartments as a precautionary measure.

“Persimmon Homes is offering immediate temporary accommodation to all affected residents. Persimmon Homes apologises for the obvious inconvenience and concern this will cause to all residents and will continue to provide ongoing support until the situation is resolved.”

In March 2024, more than 100 residents were evacuated from their properties when a fire broke out at the block of flats in Bonnington. More than 70 firefighters were called on to tackle the blaze – with two firefighters treated for minor injuries.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The Scottish Government recognises this will be a concerning time for residents – their safety is absolutely paramount.

“While this is a matter being addressed by the developer, Scottish Government officials have engaged directly with Persimmon to fully understand the situation and will continue to engage with them going forward.

“The Scottish Government continues to work with developers, local authorities and building owners to accelerate their assessments and remediation activity across Scotland.”