A bomb disposal unit was called to Restalrig Avenue in Edinburgh on Monday afternoon after a suspicious item was discovered, prompting the evacuation of several nearby properties. Police set up a cordon around the area, and the road was closed between Loganlea Avenue and Loganlea Drive while specialist officers assessed the item.
The closure disrupted the number 25 bus route, with Lothian Buses confirming that services normally routed through Loganlea Drive and Restalrig Avenue were being diverted. Buses were instead sent via Craigentinny Avenue, Portobello Road and Wakefield Avenue, terminating at Craigentinny Road until further notice. Emergency services remained on scene alongside the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, and residents were urged to steer clear of the area.
What did police tell residents at the scene?
According to a national broadcaster's report, officers arrived at Loganlea Gardens in the Craigmillar district shortly before 5:00 PM and instructed nearby residents to remain indoors with their windows closed as a precaution while the item was examined.
Has Edinburgh seen similar security incidents recently?
This is not the first security-related disruption in the area in recent weeks. Earlier in the summer, a major fire broke out at flats on Restalrig Road South, forcing similar road closures and bus diversions nearby, though that incident was unrelated to explosives. Separately, Edinburgh Airport was evacuated after a suspicious package was reported, an incident that also drew an EOD response and caused flight disruption before the item was made safe.
What happens next?
As of the latest update, enquiries into the Restalrig Avenue item were continuing, with the cordon and road closure remaining in place until officers confirmed it was safe to reopen the area. Lothian Buses said its diversions would stay in effect until further notice, and residents and commuters were advised to monitor updates before travelling through the affected streets.
