Shocking footage has emerged showing two workmen dangerously balancing on narrow window sills several floors above street level in central Edinburgh, sparking serious safety concerns.
The incident occurred on Bank Street on July 24, in the heart of the Old Town near the Royal Mile.
The men were seen working on the exterior of a historic building without visible safety harnesses or protective equipment, while crowds of tourists walked directly below.
The workmen are believed to be employed by Eco Sash & Case, a local company specialising in traditional timber window restoration.
In response to the footage, a spokesperson for the company said: “We are currently unable to verify whether the individuals depicted in the video you provided are members of our team.
However, we have conducted a thorough investigation of our systems and can confirm that we are fully compliant.”
A T-shirt worn by one of the workers has been compared to an image on the company’s own website, and appears to be identical, raising further questions about the workmen’s identity.
When approached for comment, an Edinburgh City Council spokesperson said: “This one would be best directed to the Health and Safety Executive to react to.”
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has confirmed it is conducting a preliminary assessment.
A spokesperson said: “After a concern was raised with us about a potentially unsafe working practice, we will now be speaking to the duty holder involved.”
Eyewitnesses described the scene as “shocking” and “dangerous.” One passer by said: “They were just standing on the ledge like it was nothing. That’s ridiculous, no harness!
Not only could they get themselves killed, but they could kill some innocent passer by.”
Under UK law, working at height requires strict safety measures, including fall protection systems such as harnesses, guardrails, or secure access platforms.
The incident has prompted renewed concerns about construction site safety across Edinburgh’s historic and densely populated city centre.