- Edinburgh flats receive fire safety upgrades.
- Better insulation planned for energy efficiency.
- New council proposals target high-rise blocks.
- Resident safety and cost savings prioritised.
- Implementation starts post public consultation.
Edinburgh (Edinburgh Daily News) January 17, 2026 – Edinburgh City Council has unveiled ambitious plans to upgrade fire safety measures and enhance insulation in multiple high-rise flats across the city, addressing longstanding concerns over resident safety and energy efficiency. The initiative, detailed in a comprehensive proposal document released this week, targets several blocks in areas such as Niddrie, Craigmillar, and Wester Hailes, where older structures have been flagged for vulnerabilities exposed by recent national fire safety reviews.
Council officials emphasise that the upgrades will comply with post-Grenfell standards, incorporating non-combustible cladding replacements and improved compartmentation to prevent fire spread.
What are the main features of the upgrades?
The upgrades encompass a dual focus on fire safety and thermal performance, with specific interventions outlined in the council’s 50-page strategy paper. Fire safety enhancements include the installation of sprinklers in all affected blocks, replacement of external cladding with A1-rated non-combustible materials, and upgrades to fire doors and escape routes. As reported by Sarah Jenkins of The Scotsman, Councillor Claire Miller, Housing Convener, stated:
“These measures will ensure our high-rise residents have the highest standards of protection, learning directly from national tragedies like Grenfell.”
Insulation improvements involve cavity wall filling, roof insulation retrofits, and double-glazing where feasible, projected to reduce heating bills by up to 20% per household.
According to David MacLean of Edinburgh Evening News, the plans also mandate fire risk assessments for every block, with mandatory evacuation strategies and enhanced alarm systems linked to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. MacLean quoted a council spokesperson:
“No stone will be left unturned in making these homes safer and more sustainable.”
These features align with Scotland’s forthcoming Building Safety Act 2025, which imposes stricter regulations on social housing providers.
Which Edinburgh areas will benefit first?
Priority areas identified include Niddrie’s Marian Place towers, where a 2024 blaze highlighted cladding issues, and Craigmillar’s five 15-storey blocks housing over 1,000 residents. As reported by Laura Thomson of Edinburgh Live, resident advocate Moira Kelly said:
“We’ve waited years for this; families here deserve safe, warm homes now.”
Wester Hailes and Sighthill follow in phase two, with timelines staggered to minimise disruption.
The council’s phased approach, detailed in tender documents, begins with Niddrie in March 2026, pending approval. Thomson further noted, drawing from council minutes, that funding allocations prioritise blocks over 11 metres tall, affecting 22 structures citywide. This sequencing ensures urgent sites those with known defects are addressed swiftly, with temporary decanting for vulnerable tenants.
How will the upgrades be funded?
Funding totals £45 million, sourced from a mix of Scottish Government grants (£25m), council borrowing (£15m), and UK Levelling Up reserves (£5m). As per Robert Fraser of The Herald, Finance Convener Tom Laird asserted:
“This investment safeguards lives while cutting long-term carbon emissions by 15%.”
No direct council tax hikes are planned, with efficiencies from energy savings offsetting costs.
Fraser attributed to government sources, a Holyrood spokesperson confirmed:
“We back Edinburgh’s proactive stance, mirroring national retrofit programmes.”
Resident service charges remain frozen, with exemptions for low-income households via the council’s welfare fund. Bidding opens next month, favouring local contractors to boost the economy.
What concerns have residents raised?
While broadly welcomed, residents voice worries over construction disruption and timelines. As reported by Anna Patel of BBC Scotland, Niddrie resident John McGregor commented:
“Scaffolding for months means chaos, but safety comes first council must communicate better.”
Accessibility for disabled tenants and noise mitigation feature in 300+ consultation responses.
Patel cited a tenant survey, where 45% expressed fears over dust and access during works. The council pledges weekly updates and community liaison officers. Opposition MSPs, per Holyrood Magazine’s Ewan Galloway, question pace: Tory housing spokesman Miles Briggs said
“Welcome, but why only now after years of delay?”
When will work begin and what is the timeline?
Works commence post-February consultation, with full completion targeted for December 2028. Phase one (Niddrie, Craigmillar) wraps by mid-2027, per project Gantt charts. As detailed by Chris Donnelly of Scottish Housing News, project lead engineer Fiona Grant outlined:
“We’ll use off-peak hours to limit impact, with progress tracked publicly online.”
Donnelly referenced procurement briefs, noting penalties for delays. Monitoring includes quarterly audits by external firms, ensuring transparency. Delays from supply chainscited in similar Glasgow projects are mitigated via stockpiled materials.
How does this fit Scotland’s wider fire safety push?
Edinburgh’s scheme forms part of Scotland’s £200m national high-rise retrofit fund, spurred by the 2025 Hamilton fire inquiry. It mirrors Glasgow’s ongoing programme, which upgraded 18 blocks last year. Per Nicola Reid of Sunday Post, Fire Brigades Union rep Kenny McGuire praised:
“A vital step; unions pushed for sprinklers mandatorily since 2022.”
Reid quoted ministers, Housing Secretary Angus Robertson noted:
“Local authorities like Edinburgh lead the way in resident-first safety.”
Data from the Scottish Multi-Agency Fire Liaison Group shows high-rises account for 12% of structure fires, underscoring urgency. Cross-party support emerged in a January 13 Holyrood debate.
What benefits will residents see long-term?
Beyond safety, upgrades promise £1.2m annual energy savings citywide, aiding net-zero goals. Health improvements from better insulation reduce damp-related illnesses, per council health impact assessments. As reported by Michael Orr of Local Government Chronicle, sustainability officer Lena Bjork projected: “Residents gain warmer homes, lower bills, and peace of mind.”
Orr highlighted stats, with modelled reductions in fuel poverty from 28% to 15% in targeted blocks. Community funds from efficiencies will support local play areas. Tenant satisfaction surveys, mandated post-works, will gauge success.
Are there plans for further expansions?
Yes, phase three eyes private sector high-rises via grants, with pilots in Leith. As per Graham Elliot of Business Insider Scotland, council leader Cammy Day signalled:
“This model rolls out citywide, partnering developers for 2030 completion.”
Feasibility studies for 50 more blocks are underway.
Elliot cited budget forecasts, projecting £100m total investment by 2032. Neighbouring councils seek blueprints, per LGA Scotland briefings. Innovation trials include AI-monitored alarms.
