“Productive, but uncertainty remains” – Dreghorn residents meet with the Ministry of Defence and Edinburgh City Council about potential evictions.  – Deadline News

RESIDENTS living in the Dreghorn housing estate met with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Edinburgh councillors yesterday, to discuss their threatened eviction. 

Those living in the area, which is owned by the MOD who are in the process of selling off the properties, were told last year that they would have to move out of their homes by this summer. 

With help from Living Rent, they have created a petition to prevent these evictions, which currently has over 650 signatures. 

The council is being urged to buy the housing, of which some has already been purchased, to ensure the families can continue to stay there. 

 Dreghorn estate is used as housing for veterans and their families, as well as current army personnel who work at the Dreghorn barracks. 

Last year, the MOD decided to sell off some of the properties, which would force residents to find alternative accommodation. 

Tenants were notified of this decision in November last year and have been lobbying for the council to buy some of the properties and turn them into council housing, which has already been done to some of the empty housing in the area. 

Living Rent, the tenants and community union, has been supporting those affected, having set up their petition called “We are not surplus: No Dreghorn Evictions”. 

They shared yesterday that residents attended Edinburgh City Chambers yesterday to speak with the MOD and councilors about a potential solution. 

They said: “Today members of Dreghorn Demi, Mandy, Catherine and Amy are at Edinburgh City Chambers. 

“Them and are their neighbours are facing eviction by the Ministry of Defence which has devastating impacts.  

“We are asking that Edinburgh City Council buy their homes and get the tenants in situ.” 

They also quoted one member, Demi, who said: “In November we received a letter advising that we would be asked to leave our homes in the summer of 2025.  

“At the start of March, 19 families received a second letter confirming we would receive our notice to leave in August leaving many of us facing homelessness.” 

Labour MP for Edinburgh South West, Dr Scott Arthur, has also been aiding the residents through this uncertainty, and was present at yesterday’s meeting. 

He said: “Dreghorn update – This evening’s meeting with the Ministry of Defence and Dreghorn residents was productive, but uncertainty remains. 

“We have scheduled a follow-up meeting for next week, which will include senior Councillors and residents.  

“If you are affected by the proposed plans and have not yet received an invitation to next week’s meeting, please contact us – [email protected]” 

Residents also presented a deputation in the Finance and Resources Committee meeting that took place yesterday (THURS), saying: “The cost of evicting is more than just rehousing. Adults potentially would be forced to find new jobs or apprenticeships as they would be forced out of the area.  

“There is also the cost of people’s mental and physical health which has been made worse already.” 

 
They also stated that when looking for council housing, waiting times to be housed in the area are around 4,226 days 

Councillor Mandy Watt who is the convener of the Finance and Resources Committee confirmed: “The council are trying to work as constructively as possible with the MOD on this issue.  

She went on: “The difficulty is that whilst it’s your homes and we understand that, part of the process is a negotiation between MOD and council.  

 
“I do know that council officers are working as hard on this as they possibly can, with a view of purchasing the homes that are in discussion.  

“We have to keep working on that as hard as we all can.”