A resident of Edinburgh’s Banana Flats challenges the negative stereotypes surrounding her home and its community.
Edinburgh: A tenant at the Banana Flats wants to clear up misconceptions. Kirsty Chatwood has lived there for 22 years and raised two kids. She believes the building’s reputation causes problems for residents.
The flats gained fame from the 1993 novel Trainspotting, which linked them to drug abuse and violence. However, Kirsty insists that life there is much different. She feels the negative image leads to residents being overlooked.
Kirsty, 48, says the building is a community. She mentions that while there are some issues, they are not unique to her neighborhood. The Edinburgh Council is investing in improvements for the building, aiming to keep tenants informed and comfortable.
Cables Wynd House, built in the 1960s, is now a landmark. It received a top listing from Historic Environment Scotland, similar to Edinburgh Castle. Some tenants feel this status complicates upgrades.
In 2022, the council announced plans to retrofit the building, including better insulation and updated communal areas. Residents welcome the news but want to highlight overlooked aspects of life in the flats.
Kirsty shared her experience, saying, “I’ve raised two kids here, and the building’s reputation isn’t true. The misconceptions are horrendous.” She emphasizes that the community is vibrant and diverse.
The Cables Wynd House Residents Group is launching a report to address ongoing issues. These include lift breakdowns, long waits for repairs, and pest problems. A survey showed many residents face major disruptions due to lift issues.
Kirsty has dealt with mould in her flat for years. She finally got it fixed after eight years. She also mentioned heating problems with the new system, which often fails and affects multiple flats.
Residents feel ignored and have faced negative attention. Kirsty recalls tours during the Fringe that showcased the building’s dark reputation. The council intervened to stop these tours, which felt dehumanizing.
Communication is a major issue for tenants. Kirsty says they often don’t receive updates about repairs or improvements. They want more transparency from the council regarding the building’s status.
During Covid, only one of the four lifts worked, causing significant problems for families and those with disabilities. Kirsty noted the long wait times and the stress it caused residents.
Statistics show that many residents’ mental health suffers due to unresolved repairs. The Cables Wynd House Residents Group aims to raise awareness about these issues and the true nature of their community.
Kirsty believes the building is a great place for families. She highlights the community spirit and cultural diversity among residents. She wishes for more investment in the building to improve living conditions.
Housing Convener Lezley Marion Cameron stated that the council is investing £69 million to address tenant concerns. They aim to ensure all tenants have safe and well-maintained homes.
