The Marconi memorial in Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, reportedly collapsed during windy conditions on Tuesday 27 January 2026 at around 8pm, raising safety concerns among local residents.
Images and video taken by SWD Media show the statue and associated structure lying on the ground, with residents nearby surveying the scene. Police Scotland have placed traffic cones around the fallen memorial to alert drivers and prevent accidents.
Local resident Aleksandra Barbara Buczynska shared her alarm on social media, writing: “Sudden bang. Huge pole fell. Thank God it did not kill anyone. Or it could have destroyed a car or house. We are shocked. Was it safety controlled at all? Build such structures where strong winds are frequent…? We often go out at this time with children, luckily not this time.”
On Wednesday morning she added: “I would like to thank all the strong men who united and moved this heavy pole and unblocked the street for us.”
Her posts highlight concerns over the structural safety of public monuments in areas prone to strong winds, as well as the potential dangers to residents and passing traffic.
The collapse comes amid yellow weather warnings issued for North East Scotland, with forecasters predicting strong gusts capable of toppling unsecured structures and affecting roads and coastal areas.
Guglielmo Marconi, the inventor of radio, had significant links to Fraserburgh, where he conducted early wireless experiments around 1904.
The memorial was erected to honour his pioneering work in radio communication and has long been a feature of the town.
Police Scotland have been contacted for further comment.