Demolition begins on RAAC-affected homes at Aberdeen housing estate

Demolition of hundreds of homes in Aberdeen affected by dangerous “bubbly” concrete has now begun.

More than 500 properties in the Balnagask area of the city were built using reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete, also known as RAAC.

Residents were warned in 2023 that their homes were at risk of collapse due to RAAC.

Now that most of the residents have been relocated, diggers and demolition teams have been brought in to clear the RAAC-affected properties.

Aberdeen City Council confirmed an initial block of buildings were to be demolished ahead of wider works next month.

A spokesperson said: “Demolition work of RAAC affected properties in Balnagask has moved into the structural phase this week.

Demolition of RAAC homes begins in Aberdeen. STV News

“The demolition of an initial block is being undertaken prior to wider demolition taking place across the site which is due to commence in early September.

“These works will be monitored in line with approved health and safety and demolition methodology.”

The demolition of the homes has been years in the making, following the council’s first approval in August 2024.

What followed was a lengthy period of rehousing all residents within the area, property buy-backs and securing additional funding.

In October 2025, the Scottish Government agreed to a £10m funding injection via the Affordable Housing Supply Programme, to allow the council to buy back homes.

Finally, in July this year, a £5.8m building warrant was approved for Phase 2 demolition of 277 properties.

The 12 streets affected are: North Balnagask Road, Balnagask Road, Burnbank Place, Burnbank Terrace, Downies Brae, Farquhar Road, Farquhar Brae, Girdleness Road, Lochnagar Road, Pentland Crescent, Pentland Road and Rockall Place.

All RAAC-affected properties are scheduled to be demolished by 2028.