Lewis to have a blast after contest victory

Schoolboy Lewis Reynolds will be literally bringing down the house this weekend.

The lucky nine-year-old has been selected to carry out every young boy’s dream – setting off the explosives which will demolish three multi-storey tower blocks in North Sighthill on Sunday.

The 16-storey Hermiston, Weir and Glenalmond blocks – built 45 years ago – are to make way for new housing.

Lewis was chosen after designing the winning entry in a poster competition.

He will be joined by Sighthill grandmother Maureen Murdoch, 73, and Councillor Norman Work, the council’s vice-convener of the health, social care and housing committee.

Three primary schools near the tower blocks – Murrayburn, Broomhouse and St Joseph’s – took part in the competition, in which youngsters worked on the theme of safety issues around the site highlighted by demolition contractor Safedem.

Lewis said: “I am really pleased to have won the competition and can’t wait to push the button to demolish the tower blocks. It’s going to be great fun.”

The action will be shown live on the Stevenson College website and after the event on the council’s YouTube page.

Cllr Work said: “I’m sure that Lewis will have a day to remember when he pushes the button and he fully deserves this prize as his poster is very dramatic.”

An exclusion zone will be set up from around 10am so the demolition can be carried out safely, and a rest centre will be set up for the residents who have to leave their nearby homes.

Some roads near the buildings will be closed, parking restrictions will be in place and there will be some disruption to local bus services.

The blow down will take place between 11am and midday.

William Sinclair, managing director of Safedem, said: “The pupils were really enthusiastic and put a huge effort into the competition.

“We will still be on site for several months after the buildings are demolished and it’s extremely important that the children continue to be fully aware of being safe around the demolition site.”

The redevelopment of the area will see up to 320 new homes for sale and rent, half of which will be deemed affordable, as part of the council’s 21st Century Homes regeneration plans.

Other areas included in the programme are Gracemount, Pennywell and Muirhouse.

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