Robert brings the houses down!

Competition winner flattens Gracemount tower blocks in just under a minute

Kaimes Primary School pupil Robert Millar joined former resident Margaret Jeffrey and Council Leader Jenny Dawe in setting off the detonator to demolish three multi-storey blocks at Gracemount.

Within seconds the skyline of Gracemount was changed for ever and the 47-year-old towerblocks were reduced to rubble.

Starting the huge explosion was an exciting moment for Robert. “This is the biggest thing that I’ve ever broken and not got into trouble for,” he said.

Robert, 11, won the chance to push the button after designing the winning site safety poster in a school competition. His poster was selected from 200 entries by a panel of judges including Ruby Reid, a member of the Gracemount Courts and Cottages Residents’ Association.

Garvald, Soutra and Fala Courts – once home to 246 households – were demolished to make way for the regeneration of the area as part of the city’s 21st Century Homes redevelopment.