Banana Flats: Residents of 'Trainspotting' building say they've been neglected for years

People living in Leith’s iconic “Banana Flats” say they’re finally being listened to after years of campaigning.

Edinburgh City Council said in 2022 it would fully retrofit the building at a cost of £69m, but tenants feared some of their biggest concerns weren’t being addressed.

Cables Wynd House – better known as the Banana Flats due to its distinctive shape – is an iconic part of Leith.

Famous for being the home of Simon “Sick Boy” Williamson in Irvine Welsh’s 1993 novel Trainspotting, it’s a Grade A listed building and is much-loved by its hundreds of residents.

But tenants have complained about the state of its communal areas for years.

Resident Sheri Ulich told STV News: “A lot of us care for the inside our flats and we’ve done a lot of work ourselves – it’s our home.

“And then you step outside your front door into the communal areas and it’s falling apart.”

Fellow resident Kirsty Chatwood added: “I’ve been living here for 23 years, I raised two children in the building. I love living here, the views are brilliant and I have amazing neighbours.”

Among the issues highlighted are problems with the heating system, poor bathroom ventilation, damp and mould and a pest problem.

Furthermore, the four lifts in the building frequently break down.

Kirsty added: “I’m disabled, so I can’t walk down eight flights of stairs. If I can’t get a lift down, then I can’t get out of the flat.

“That impacts my mental health as well because you want to be out. It’s such a brilliant community in the building.”

A full replacement of the lifts – not included in the original plan – will now happen and residents feel like they’ve finally been listened to.

Hannah Kirby from Inspiring Leith said: “The biggest thing that is happening is a huge investment in Cables Wynd House and Linksview House, which we know is upcoming and absolutely welcome.

“We just want to ensure it is timely and that residents are informed and part of that process.”

Edinburgh City Council say it is actively working to address immediate concerns raised by the community.

Lezley Marion Cameron, convener for housing, homelessness and fair work, said: “We’re making a significant investment of £69m in Cables Wynd House and Linksview House, with a comprehensive plan to make homes safer, more comfortable, and warmer places to live.

“While the long-term improvements are ongoing, we’re working to actively address the immediate concerns raised by the community.

“We’ll continue to engage with residents at every step, keeping them informed as we move forward. I look forward to meeting with residents again soon.”