Emergency evacuations have been ordered for hundreds of Edinburgh residents living in the Bonnington Bond apartment complex due to "high fire risk" concerns following a series of damning investigations. Developer Persimmon Homes has advised immediate evacuation after discovering serious issues with cladding, insulation, and internal fire-stopping.
The instruction comes more than two years after a devastating fire at the same building in March 2024 left extensive damage and injured two firefighters, rendering several properties uninhabitable. A council report from May 2022 had already highlighted problems including combustible materials and non-compliant lifts.
Persimmon Homes is now committing to essential repairs but has warned residents they cannot stay in their homes while the works are underway. The company will provide emergency temporary accommodation, albeit without guaranteeing proximity to the original flats, where residents will be unable to bring large furniture or significant personal belongings.
A Persimmon spokesperson apologised for the disruption and concern, stating that experts had recommended relocation as a precautionary measure. They vowed to continue providing support until the situation is resolved, with the full scope of remediation works yet to be finalised – leaving no firm timescale for completion.
Meanwhile, this case raises further concerns about fire safety in UK buildings constructed with specific types of cladding. Persimmon had implemented interim measures after the 2024 blaze but the latest findings necessitate a full evacuation of the complex, comprising over 100 flats built on a former whisky bond site.