Old bank building collapses onto pavement as roads closed by police

Large blocks from the sandstone building collapsed onto the pavement and road and members of the public have been told to avoid the area.

Former Clydesdale Bank collapses onto pavement as roads closed by police — The extent of the damage to the building. Highland Council

Tara Fitzpatrick

1st May 2023

A number of streets around Thurso have been closed after large sandstone blocks on the former Clydesdale Bank building collapsed onto the pavement and road.

Traffic Scotland have issued advice to drivers after the A9 was shut due to the incident which occurred around 3.30am on Monday.

Members of the public have been told to stay away from the site.

Police have closed the road and told members of the public to avoid the area. STV News

The road at Traill Street remains closed in both directions with diversion routes in place.

Images shared online show the extent of the damage to the area, with large blocks of sandstone shattered at the front of the building and rubble across the road.

It is understood that no one was hurt in the incident.

SNP Councillor Raymond Bremner shared images of the damage and stated: “Council Officers were made aware at about 4am / 5am by local Police and were awaiting BEAR Scotland’s arrival but take care around the area.

The damage outside the former Clydesdale Bank in Thurso. STV News

“Building Standards have been made aware also.”

A Police Scotland Spokesperson said: “Around 3.35am on Monday, May 1, we were called to reports of damage to a building in Traill Street, Thurso.

“The road is currently closed whilst arrangements are made to remove the debris. The road is currently closed at the junction of Sir George’s Street, Olrig Street, Cowie Lane and Mansons Lane.

“Members of the public are being advised to avoid the area meantime.”