Sighthill tower blocks to be demolished in Edinburgh
Three multi-storey blocks at north Sighthill in Edinburgh are due to be demolished this weekend to allow the area to be regenerated.
Glenalmond, Hermiston and Weir Courts, once home to 285 households, are set to be demolished by controlled explosion on Sunday.
The demolition is due to take place between 11:00 and midday but is subject to change on the day.
Nine-year-old Lewis Reynolds will be pushing the detonator.
Local residents Maureen and William Murdoch who lived in Glenalmond Court for 43 years and Norman Work, vice convener of the health, social care and housing committee will also be at the demolition.
Mr Work said: "I know that many people will have fond memories of the North Sighthill flats but I'm also sure that most will recognise the need for progress and investment in the area.
"Sunday's demolition is part of a programme of council-led investment worth up to £150m aiming to build 1,300 homes across the capital.
"This marks a major shift in our strategy that will boost the future of social housing in Edinburgh for the 21st Century."
An exclusion zone will be set up on the day of the demolition and any residents in that area will be accommodated in a nearby reception centre.
Some roads will be closed and bus routes will be diverted.
The redevelopment of the area will see up to 320 new homes for sale and rent, half of which will be affordable housing.
The first new council homes to be built will be in Gracemount where families are expected to take up residence in early 2012.