Homes were evacuated as a precautionary measure following reports of ground movement in the area. The decision was taken to protect residents while emergency services and technical specialists assessed the situation and that work is ongoing.
At the moment, affected properties should not be entered unless access is agreed and supervised by the partners managing the response. Structural inspections and other investigations are under way to help determine when it may be safe for residents to return to their properties.
The cause has not yet been confirmed. A number of possibilities are being considered, and investigations are taking place, including structural and drainage assessments and a comprehensive review of available mining information. It is important that we do not speculate until this work has been completed.
The current situation remains under review as investigations continue. Agencies are working to understand the extent of the ground movement and any wider issues. If there are any changes that affect nearby residents, this will be communicated as quickly as possible. There is no evidence of this being a wider issue. Ground movement can occur for many reasons, if people have any concerns that their home may be impacted from old coal mining, they can call:
The site has been secured with fencing, and security and police presence are in place to help prevent unauthorised access. Structural engineers and other specialists are attending the site to carry out inspections and gather information.
Residents are encouraged to contact their home insurance providers. A drop-in centre has also been made available at nearby Devonvale Hall between 9.30am - 5.00pm to support residents with queries or concerns.
We understand residents may need urgent access to important items. No one should enter the area unless this has been agreed by those managing the site. If you need access to your property for any reason, please speak with one of the Mining Remediation Authority colleagues on the ground, who will do their best to help.
Utility providers are involved in the response and have undertaken inspections on site. We are aware that the water has been isolated and that gas and electricity suppliers are currently undertaking work to isolate supply to properties. Any decision to do this is undertaken by the utility providers with the information available to them.
Work is under way to inspect properties and understand the condition of the site. This includes structural inspections, drainage investigations, utility checks, monitoring of the ground levels and a review of relevant technical and mining information. These checks will help inform decisions about safety, access, and next steps.
If you have buildings insurance and you have your policy available, you should review this.
Contact your insurance company there should be claim details either on the policy itself or via the provider’s website.
If your insurer fails to provide you with assistance, then you should seek advice from the Citizens Advice Bureau (who will be in attendance at the drop in centre or your solicitor ( if you do not have a solicitor one can be obtained via Law Society of Scotland.
In order to make a complaint about your insurer please the Financial Ombudsman can assist with this via this link Insurance – Financial Ombudsman service.
Exemption has been granted for all affected dwellings from 18 May 2026, on the basis that residents are unable to occupy your property. As such the council has agreed that no council tax, waste or water charges will apply from the above date until further notice. A revised bill will be issued to affected residents.
No action is required from affected residents. Direct Debits should not be cancelled.
If you have any questions, please email counciltax@clacks.gov.uk or call 01259 226239.
A number of multi-agency partners are involved, including Clackmannanshire Council, emergency services, and the Mining Remediation Authority. We are working together to manage the immediate response, site safety, resident support, and the technical investigations needed to understand what has happened.
We are committed to keeping residents informed and further updates will be shared as more information becomes available.
Devonvale Hall will continue to remain open as a point of contact for residents, and a digital communication channel is being set up to share information directly too.
We will also update our webpage and social media too.