The demolition of an abandoned tower block in Edinburgh has been put on hold as the last remaining resident refuses to leave. The lone occupant of the ten-storey Inchmickery Court in Muirhouse has resisted eviction for nearly three years until his demands for alternative accommodation are met, according to his family.
Background of the Dispute
Edinburgh Council agreed to demolish the tower block in 2023, but the process has been delayed due to ongoing eviction proceedings. The last tenant has remained in the building alone since November 2023 and refuses to leave, as stated in a council document. Alongside its sister block, Oxcars Court, the 73-year-old building containing 75 flats is set to be demolished to make way for a single block of 150 flats.
Family Support and Concerns
A relative of the tenant, who wished to remain anonymous, described the situation as 'absolutely shocking' and supported the man's decision to stay in his home. 'I think it's ridiculous. He's worked all his life and paid his rent - why should he have to leave?' the relative said. 'As a family we support him making this stand. We are worried about him because eviction proceedings are starting.'
The relative added that if he is evicted and does not leave willingly, he might not get another council house because he would be considered wilfully homeless. 'He would sleep in a tent if he has to stand his ground,' the relative said, criticising the council's relocation process.
Community Support
Neighbours of the tower block have supported the man's decision to stay and called on the council to consider his safety while court proceedings are underway. A council document stated: 'There is one remaining tenant in the block, so essential services are being maintained while the eviction process proceeds through the Sheriff Court.' Officers from the High-Rise Management and Investment (HRMI) team are in regular contact with the Locality team to support this process.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is aware that Inchmickery Court is largely vacant, and the HRMI team is meeting with the Tenant Safety Team to take a proportionate approach to the building's maintenance. Support for the tenant's 'one man stand' has gained widespread attention on social media.
One commenter said: 'My cousin was decanted out of Inchmickery to a flat in worse condition than now into another flat that's infested with bugs.' Another added: 'A single pensioner in an empty building at risk of being vandalised and they can't find a single place for him, that's the council.'
At Oxcars Court, 68 residents remain as council officers seek suitable alternative accommodation for the tower block tenants.
