Fuming residents left stranded with no lift for 'weeks' in high-rise flats

Locals say the lifts at Lochview Court in Edinburgh are out of action for weeks all year round.

Residents of a high-rise block in Edinburgh’s city centre have been left fuming with their communal lift out of action for weeks.

Tenants of one side of Lochview Court reported the issue to Edinburgh Council around the start of the Festival Fringe in August 2024, but claim they are still waiting for the lift to be repaired. Sasha, who has lived on the eighth floor since 2006, said repairs used to take just a couple of days but now the wait has stretched much longer.

“There’s never really been a problem with the lift since I’ve lived here, and if there was, it would be fixed in a day or two,” the 48-year-old explained. “It’s really affecting me, especially when taking the dog out. The stairs get slippery when it rains, making them dangerous, and I’m worried I might hurt myself. It’s not good for the elderly, people with disabilities, and families with kids who rely on the lift. It feels like nothing is fixed quickly anymore.”

Alas Abdullah, who moved into his flat i n early October 2024, joked about needing a "two-day rest" after climbing the stairs to his new home. He described how difficult it was to move in, having to use the lift on the other side of the building and carry everything across.

"The steps are very hard for lifting things up and down. Getting the pram up and down is really difficult, but my housing officer said they hope the lift will be fixed by the end of October," the 32-year-old told Edinburgh Live.

A 17-year-old Turkish student at Edinburgh University, who lives on the seventh floor, also faced challenges moving in. “I had to use the lift on the other side and carry my furniture across before taking it up a flight of stairs. Hopefully, it’s fixed soon,” they said.

Parents Azam and Hind have also struggled, as they have three children to manage without the lift. Hind expressed concern over the other lift in the block, which she avoids due to a past experience where the doors wouldn’t open.

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“The lift being broken is very difficult for us with three kids. I’m scared of the other lift because it’s bumpy and I’ve developed a phobia after the doors didn’t open once. The kids don’t like it either, and I worry they might get hurt on the stairs. I hope our lift is fixed soon,” Hind explained.

Jane Meagher , housing, homelessness, and fair work convener, commented on the situation: "Unfortunately, the lift is in need of repair due to an issue with the motor, but officers are working to get it back up and running as soon as possible. The motor is being removed this week and sent to a specialist for repair."

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