Capital tower block is demolished

Hundreds of people watched the flats being demolished

Television viewers worldwide have witnessed the demolition of a 17-storey tower block in Edinburgh.

Capelaw Court in Oxgangs was blown up on Sunday morning to make way for 240 new homes as part of a £10m regeneration programme.

The 16-strong demolition team included the UK's only female explosives expert Holly Bennett.

National Geographic screened the demolition of the 1960s built complex live at 1200 BST.

The building was originally praised because of its fine views across the city to the coast.

However, after years of complaints about dampness, crumbling plasterwork and cracks in walls, fed-up residents eventually campaigned to have it demolished.

'Fantastic memories'

Hundreds of the residents watched the flats reduced to 7,000 tonnes of rubble in just three seconds.

They were joined by people who won their ringside seat in a National Geographic competition.

Heather Levy of Firrhill Community Council, who has lived in the area for 42 years, said: "I've some fantastic memories of the Oxgangs multis, such as the great community spirit there.

This is a real opportunity to transform this part of Edinburgh for the benefit of existing tenants and future generations Sheila Gilmore Edinburgh councillor

"Like many residents though, I'm delighted that regeneration has started and real change for a new future can begin to take place".

The Oxgangs multis were originally known as the Comiston Luxury Flats. The remaining two blocks, Caerketton Court and Allermuir Court will be demolished over the coming months.

The company, Controlled Demolition, carried out the work.

Division manager Mick Williams said before the spectacular event: "Demolition is a very precise science - and we have got it down to a fine art.

"The block will collapse onto one of the city's main underground sewers so we have had to protect the surface with rubble and metal plates to absorb the impact. We have also had to cover a nearby brook to protect it from dust.

'Exciting time'

"And we have had to take into account the fact there is a community centre 30 metres away in one direction and a live electricity sub-station 20 metres away in another - there is no room for error."

The team used 35kg of explosives and 1,000 non-electrical detonating charges across five blast floors.

Before demolition they pre-weakened the building and removed asbestos, kitchens, bathrooms and even skirting boards from the 80 empty flats.

Edinburgh councillor, Sheila Gilmore, said, "It's an exciting time for the whole Oxgangs area.

"This is a real opportunity to transform this part of Edinburgh for the benefit of existing tenants and future generations."