Cockenzie Power Station Chimneys Demolished By Controlled Explosion

Thousands turned out to watch the twin chimney stacks of a former power station being demolished in an epic controlled explosion.

Locals not only gathered to watch the spectacle at favorable observation points, but also took up positions on the water, with a whole flotilla filled with gawkers forming in the Firth of Forth.

In just a couple of seconds, the 149-metre tall steel chimney stacks hit the ground, as they were leveled after overlooking the local landscape for over half a century.

Twitter followers described them as the landmarks they look for from the plane to let home know they’re nearly home before landing at Edinburgh Airport.

Scottish Power decommissioned the thermal power station on 15 March 2013 with plans to build a cleaner burning natural gas power station on the the 93-hectare site, but have since decided not to pursue that course.

Many people had called for the building to be saved but the land will be handed over for other uses.

An exclusion zone was set up around the area to ensure the safety of crowds gathered to watch the demolition.

The button was pressed for the big bang at noon, an honour which was won in a charity raffle by local resident Donald McCulloch.

The turbine hall on the right was demolished in a second blast.

Warning sirens were blasted to alert him to the danger and he moved to a safer distance, then the real countdown began. The main boiler house, however, will not be pulled down.