A planned demolition of a tower block has been put on hold – after one tenant refused to leave.
The sole remaining occupier of Inchmickery Court has resisted eviction proceedings for nearly three years, according to his family, until his demands for alternative accommodation are met.
The demolition of the estate in Edinburgh’s Muirhouse was first agreed upon by the council in 2023, but the ongoing eviction proceedings have delayed the process.
Since November 2023, the one tenant has remained in the building alone and has refused to leave, according to a document published by Edinburgh Council.
The 73-year-old building, alongside its sister block, Oxcars Court, contains 75 flats each across 10 stories, but was marked for destruction and set to be replaced with a single 150 flat development.
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A relative of the tenant, who wished to remain anonymous, described the situation as ‘absolutely shocking,’ and supported the man’s decision to remain in the home he’s had for several years.
They added: ‘I think it’s ridiculous. He’s worked all his life and paid his rent – why should he have to leave?
‘As a family, we support him in making this stand. We are worried about him because eviction proceedings are starting. If he is evicted and doesn’t leave willingly, he might not get another council house because he’s wilfully made himself homeless.
‘He would sleep in a tent if he had to to stand his ground. I know one individual who’s been decanted as well, who’s been moved into a flat on the third floor when they need a lift.’
Other nearby residents have also supported the man’s decision and called on the council to consider his safety while court proceedings are pushed forward.
The fresh document from Edinburgh Council read: ‘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 help support this process as required.’
‘Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is aware that Inchmickery Court is vacant with the exception of one residence, and the HRMI are meeting with the Tenant Safety Team to take a proportionate approach to the continued maintenance of this block.’
Support for the tenant was widespread on social media after his ‘one man stand’ protest was revealed.
One said: ‘All these new flats built for students…maybe should have prioritised for actual residents. Well done, that man, stand your ground.’
Another stated: ‘They spent money putting these up, not sure why they are pulling them down.
‘Houses were lovely inside.’
At neighbouring Oxcars Court, 68 residents remain, with council officers attempting to find suitable alternative accommodation while the tower blocks are destroyed and replaced.
One resident told the LDRS, ‘The residents just feel absolutely left out of it altogether.
‘If [the council] can’t listen to residents about a complaint about another tenant, how are you going to listen to a complaint about the state of the building?’
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