Almost 100 homes evacuated in former mining village after ground movement detected

Almost 100 homes have been evacuated following reports of ground movement in a former mining village in Clackmannanshire.

Thirty homes in Benbuck View, Coalsnaughton, were cleared out as a precaution on 18 May amid safety concerns.

An additional 30 homes in nearby Dunmoss View were evacuated on Wednesday, with authorities deciding on Friday to clear out the 28 properties in Nechtan Drive and nine houses in Langour.

Nikki Bridle, chief executive of Clackmannanshire Council, said the move was taken as a precaution and was being carried out in a "controlled manner".

She added: "This brings the total number of evacuated properties to 97 since 18 May 2026.

"The priority of all local resilience partners continues to be the safety and welfare of everyone involved, and our officers remain in the local area to provide guidance and support to residents during what we appreciate is a worrying and uncertain time."

Ms Bridle said specialist investigations currently being undertaken by the Mining Remediation Authority (MRA) are expected to take "some time" to complete.

She added: "We will continue to keep residents updated as further information becomes available."

Dunmoss View resident Paul Macleod, 50, previously told Sky News that he had "packed a suitcase in advance" when he saw the situation in neighbouring Benbuck View.

Mr Macleod said: "One day everything seemed completely normal, then the next morning we woke up to find parts of the street had sunk, with slabs lifted, shifted and cracked."

In an update on Saturday, Mr Macleod said he is going to be rehomed in Dunfermline, Fife.

He added: "Which means I now have an hour commute to work - but I'm glad I'm getting rehoused."

Mr Macleod, who has lived in Dunmoss View for seven years, said he is "preparing for the long stretch".

He added: "I don't think we will get back anytime soon. If at all. And I'm thinking do I want to go back, will I feel safe?

"A few neighbours want out completely and won't go back due to the impact on mental health and not feeling safe in our own homes. I'm thinking that way as well."

The community has banded together following the incident.

Coalsnaughton, Langour and Devonside Village Hall have offered to support all those in need, with villagers additionally offering storage space, help with washing, and access to hot water if needed.

Donations are also being collected at the village primary school for all those affected.

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Residents are currently prohibited from returning to their homes but are allowed accompanied visits to collect belongings.

The area has been fenced off, with security and police in attendance to prevent unauthorised access.

The Glen, which runs past the affected streets and connects Coalsnaughton to Devonside and Tillicoultry, has been closed.

Justice Secretary Neil Gray met with Clackmannanshire Council leader Ellen Forson and local MSP Keith Brown on Friday to discuss the situation.

He said: "Investigations are being carried out by the Mining Remediation Authority to establish the source of the subsidence and we await its findings."

The Mining Remediation Authority said its priority remains the safety of all those involved.

A spokesperson added: "We are doing everything we can to support Clackmannanshire Council and those affected to respond as quickly and safely as possible."

(c) Sky News 2026: Almost 100 homes evacuated in former mining village after ground movement detected