Worker in critical condition after being injured at Scottish demolition site

A worker is in a critical condition in hospital tonight after being injured in an incident at a demolition site.

The 36-year-old was hurt at a block of flats being razed to the ground in Paisley, Renfrewshire, this morning.

He was rushed to hospital and his condition has been described as critical. A probe into the incident is now ongoing.

The investigation is being carried out by Police Scotland and officials from the Health and Safety Executive.

The street in question - Waverley Road in the town's Foxbar area - was locked down.

Police officers, paramedics and firefighters all arrived at the scene after the alarm was raised this morning.

Part of the street, next to a partially demolished building, was cordoned off as an investigation was launched.

A yellow excavator was pictured at the scene, behind fencing, which was being used to demolish the former homes at the site.

A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "We received a call today to attend an incident on Waverley Road in Paisley. 

"We dispatched one ambulance, our trauma team and our special operations team to the scene. 

" We transported one male patient to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital."

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Officers and emergency services were called to a demolition site on Waverley Road in Paisley on Friday, 9 January, 2026 after a man was injured.

"The 36-year-old was taken to hospital where hospital staff describe his condition as critical.

"An investigation into the circumstances remains ongoing and the Health and Safety Executive have been informed.

"A cordon remains in place and the public should avoid the area."

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 9.16am on Friday, 9 January, to support emergency service partners on Waverley Street in Paisley.

“Operations Control mobilised two fire appliances and a heavy rescue unit to the scene.

“Crews left the area at 10.37am after ensuring the area was safe.”

The buildings are being demolished as part of a regeneration scheme in the area.

Under the plans, 20 blocks of tenements, comprised of 120 one and two bedroom tenement flats built around the 1950s, are being razed to the ground.

Other homes in the street are being improved to make them more energy-efficient.

They will be replaced new roofs, including new roof trims, gutters and rainwater pipes, and will be given solar panels.

Other properties being kept will be given external wall insulation, new close doors, repainted closes, repaired stairs, new windows and improved outdoor and common areas, including closes, back courts, bin stores and recycling facilities.