THIRTY-SIX houses in a former Scottish mining village have been evacuated after a “ground movement” caused them to shift positions.
Police said an area of Coalsnaughton, in Clackmannanshire, is “currently closed off due to ground movements” which were reported at around 9.30pm on Monday evening.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, utility companies, and the Mining Remediation Authority have all also been on the scene at Benbuck View to provide assistance.
A Clackmannanshire Council spokesperson said: “The Council, along with its partners in Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and utility companies, attended Benbuck View in Coalsnaughton last night after evidence of ground movement was discovered.
“Residents from thirty-six homes were evacuated safely. No-one was injured.
“Benbuck View is still closed today, however the A908-B9140 remains open.
“A rest centre was quickly established at nearby Devonvale Hall, but this was closed after all the affected residents were accommodated elsewhere.
“Today, council officers remain at the hall to offer support and guidance to residents.
“Investigations into the cause of the ground movement continue today and the Mining Remediation Authority are also on site.
“The safety and wellbeing of all our residents is our primary concern and we be continuing to offer support to those directly affected.”
A spokesperson for the Mining Remediation Authority said: “At around 9.30pm on Monday 18 May 2026, we were made aware of ground movement at Benbuck View, Coalsnaughton, Clackmannanshire, Scotland.
“We are working with Scottish Fire and Rescue, Police Scotland, and Clackmannanshire Council and we have secured the site.
“Thirty-six properties have been evacuated as a precaution, and we are planning to carry out detailed investigations to determine the cause of the incident and any potential risks.
“To report a coal mine hazard, please call us on 0800 288 4242, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”
One person who lives nearby told the Alloa Advertiser: “The sirens were constant going up the hill, and it was probably around the third or fourth one I heard when I realised something serious was going on.
“People were worried that they had pets left behind, and there were children there, so there was a lot of uncertainty.”
