ANGRY homeowners and residents forced out of their homes by the Tillicoultry RAAC crisis staged a protest outside the Scottish Parliament.

Residents have been unable to access their homes since the buildings were evacuated following the discovery of the dangerous crumbly material, Reinforced Aerated Autoclaved Concrete, in October 2023.

A decision is yet to be made on the futures of the three flat blocks – located on Chapelle Crescent, High Street and Park Street, Tillicoultry – while residents wait in the dark.

Now, the UK RAAC Campaign Group, which has been communicating between the residents and Clackmannanshire Council, staged a protest outside the Scottish Parliament buildings.

The demonstration, held on Saturday, July 27, was attended by homeowners from Tillicoultry, including Lynsey McQuater, who shared her story after being evicted.

She said: “Many people like me are now homeless and paying rent in addition to their mortgages for properties they cannot live in and that will probably be demolished.

“Struggling councils have been slow in their process and have been seeking help from the Scottish Government who have thus far refused help, pleading poverty.

“We bought these houses from councils without knowing they had been built with a cheap, crumbly form of concrete that disintegrates with water ingress.

“Instead of feeling ashamed with their mistakes, the people involved in local and national governance are being stiff and have left homeowners to front the costs for their mistakes.

“That is not good enough, and we demand justice and a fair deal.”

The group, led by Wilson Chowdhry, are calling for the implementation of a national budget to support the 13 councils left to deal with the RAAC crisis across Scotland.

He calls for the budget to ensure a unified governmental approach, providing necessary resources to support residents affected by RAAC.

As reported by the Advertiser, Mr Chowdhry compiled a letter detailing the situation and how homeowners are being adversely affected by the crisis.

This letter was sent to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, First Minister John Swinney and the respective housing ministers for both Scottish and UK governments.

Over the past few months, Mr Chowdhry has been working alongside the residents and communicating with Clackmannanshire Council.

He secured a sit down meeting with the council to discuss how to help those affected and is currently working towards securing re-access for people to lift their possessions.

Mr Chowdhry said: “Councils across Scotland are struggling to meet the needs of communities affected by RAAC.

“The Scottish Government remains responsible for the 1994 homes affected by RAAC, having accepted devolved responsibility for housing.

“They cannot allow so many homeowners, many of whom live in areas of deprivation, to become homeless and worsen the current housing crisis.

“The Scottish Government must reprioritise funds to support those communities, who have worked hard to own their homes.”

The protest was attended by homeowners and residents from Tillicoultry and other council areas affected.

The residents prepared large banners as they protested near to the Scottish Parliament buildings at Holyrood.

Alongside residents, the march was also attended by Mr Chowdhry and Alex Wilkins, secretary for the Clackmannanshire branch of the Alba Party for Scotland.

Former BBC journalist Quentin Macfarlane also joined the protest, showing his support for the RAAC crisis.

Last week, the Advertiser put forward questions asking the Scottish Government if a RAAC-specific budget would be possible.

A spokesperson said: “We recognise that this is a worrying time for people who have concerns about RAAC in their homes. 

“Ministers have held constructive discussions with local authorities and will continue to work together to support the affected households, recognising the importance of homeowners having access to the appropriate advice, guidance and information on RAAC.

“We are working with the UK Government, the Institution of Structural Engineers, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the Association of British Insurers and UK Finance through the Cross Sector Working Group so that homeowners are supported appropriately.

"Where homeowners are notified that their home may contain RAAC, we expect their local authority to provide advice on the next steps they can take.”

Clacks Council were approached for comment by the Advertiser and confirmed that they are working on a paper to be brought to councillors as soon as possible.

This will then allow them to review their options for the future of the three flat blocks in Tillicoultry.

A spokesperson for Clackmannanshire Council said: “The Council recognises this is a worrying time for those concerned and we are in frequent communication with those affected by RAAC and their representatives.

“We will continue to provide appropriate support and updates where available to those directly affected.

“Officers are currently preparing an update for Council, and a further paper, to consider the future of the RAAC evacuated properties, will be brought to Council as soon as is possible."