A new TikTok video showing hundreds of discarded plane seats at the former Prudential site in Craigforth has drawn comparisons to an “apocalyptic zombie movie”, prompting politicians to demand a permanent solution. The video has been viewed more than 5,000 times.
The abandoned office complex has become a regular target for flytipping, antisocial behaviour and even fireraising in recent years. The latest footage, posted on TikTok, shows the scale of rubbish strewn across the grounds, including the plane seats.
Fire crews called to site
Fire chiefs confirmed they were dispatched to deal with a small open fire on the site on Wednesday morning. A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 11.56am on Wednesday, 12 April, to reports of a fire in the open near to the former Prudential building, on the M9 at Craigforth near the Kildean Business Park in Stirling.
“Operations Control mobilised one appliance to the scene and firefighters extinguished an area of grass well alight. Crews left the scene at 12.37pm after ensuring the area was made safe.”
Politicians unite over site's future
The building has been empty since long-time tenants Prudential - now M&G - moved to modern premises across the Forth at Kildean. The site is owned by the Ambassador Group, which had previously spoken of preventative measures including a demolition warrant, fencing and gates, and working with police and Stirling Council.
Stirling and Strathallan MP Chris Kane said: “Like many residents, I am deeply concerned about the continued deterioration and fly-tipping at the Craigforth site. This has been going on for far too long. Frankly, parts of the site are beginning to look more like the set of an apocalyptic zombie movie than a major development site on the edge of Stirling.
“But behind that image are serious questions. I am sure work will be going on behind the scenes, whether through Building Standards, Environmental Health or elsewhere in Stirling Council. But residents need to know what is happening. Good communication is just as important as the work itself: people need to understand what action is being taken, what is expected of the owners and what happens next if they fail to act.
“It is completely unacceptable for any landowner to allow a site to get into this state. We now need a plan, a sense of urgency and, above all, a grip on the situation. The owners need to secure and properly manage their site, and the council needs a clear path from engaging with them to using whatever enforcement powers are appropriate if action is not forthcoming.”
Stirling MSP Alyn Smith said: “I share the deep frustration of local residents regarding the ongoing anti-social behaviour, fly-tipping, and fire-raising at the former Prudential site. It is completely unacceptable that this area continues to suffer from vandalism and blighted conditions.
“I have previously spoken directly with both Police Scotland and the owners of the building regarding these issues, and I was pleased that security measures were subsequently increased following those discussions. I am keeping a close eye on the situation and will continue to liaise with the police and site owners to ensure local safety and site security remain a priority.
“However, temporary security fixes are only a short-term patch. What this site ultimately needs is a clear, long-term solution and progress on its redevelopment so it can serve as a positive purpose for our community.”
The Observer contacted Ambassador Group for a comment on this story, but was yet to receive one.
