Astonishing footage shows adrenaline junkie 'afraid of heights' scale Edinburgh St James crane

The actions were slammed as "dangerous and irresponsible" by contractors Laing O'Rourke.

Edinburgh has become the latest stage for death-defying adrenaline junkieafter astonishing video footage shows a man clambering up on of the giant cranes used to construct the multi-million pound St James Centre development.

YouTuber Jaimieboy, who is afraid of heights, filmed himself climbing up one of the cranes at around 9pm on Friday 17 January despite high winds and terrifying heights of around 35m.

Constructors Laing O'Rourke, who manage the site and are the main contractor, said the stunt was "irresponsible and dangerous" and said police were aware of the incident.

Jaimieboy the crane climber posted the video on YouTube (Photo: Jaimieboy)

It's a 'challenge'

Speaking to the Evening News, Jaimie said taking on such incredible heights was a “challenge” and climbing the crane was a spur of the moment decision.

He said: “I love making videos and I have always been infatuated with cranes. I didn’t even plan to do it.

“I used to get drunk or smoke but I stopped. I still need to get a buzz and I do it to feel alive. Climbing and doing missions like that I find amazingly fun."

The view from the top of the crane, close to the recognisable red light (Photo: Jaimieboy)

Jaimie added he regularly climbs radio masts and cranes, often enjoying trying to get past security around high-profile developments. For him, it is a way to get photos no-one else gets.

He said: "The worst thing that could happen is the police get called and they try to use wasting police time.

"I really regret wasting my life drinking and all you hear is sirens for them going after drunk people. What I am doing is harmless, I am harming no-one and giving people something to watch on YouTube.

"I didn't do it to get in trouble, I did it for the photographs and getting shots no-one else gets."

Photos were taken from the top of the crane (Photo: Jaimieboy)

'Totally irresponsible and dangerous'

A spokesman from Laing O’Rourke, commented: “We are aware that a trespasser broke into our Edinburgh St James site on the evening of Friday 17 January.

"We have notified the police and they are investigating. This kind of behaviour is totally irresponsible and dangerous.

"As well as putting their own life at risk, the trespasser has shown a total disregard for the impact their actions would have on members of the emergency services and witnesses.”