Aberdeen residents were told they had just one hour to pack a bag after the bomb squad were called to investigate a suspicious device in a city street.
Police and explosives specialists rushed to the Rosemount area of the city at 8.20pm on Thursday.
People were evacuated from 18 properties after the call was made to police about a suspicious package.
Several streets were cordoned off, including Rose Street to Skene Street, Esslemont Avenue to Skene Street, and Esslemont Avenue to Rosemount Place.
Police also sealed off Wallfield Crescent, Wallfield Place, Wallfield Park, Wallfield Terrace, Albert Street and Craigie Loanings to the public as a precautionary measure.
Nicola Williams, from Wallfield Crescent, was one of the residents evacuated.
She said it was just after 11pm when an officer told her and her neighbours that they needed to leave the building.
She added: “The police knocked on my doors and told me I had to evacuate the building because there was a suspicious package.
“We were given one hour to pack a bag and leave. It was quite scary, there were a lot of police officers downstairs and the area was closed off.
“I know not all of the buildings on our street were evacuated, just a few of us.
“I went to stay with my aunt, but I got a call just before 2am from police saying it was okay for us to come back.
“I felt terrible for my neighbours and everyone who had to get up for work in the morning.”
Councillor Bill Cormie, who represents the ward, said an emergency respite centre had been established for residents at Aberdeen Grammar School on Skene Street.
Mr Cormie, who lives in the area, added: “There was police presence just after 8pm and it was very concerning for all the residents.
“They evacuated 18 properties and closed off several streets. People had to stay with friends and family and only three residents took up the offer of accommodation at the grammar school.
“The emergency services handled the situation extremely well. It was very upsetting for those who live nearby.
“Thankfully, everything went back to normal in the morning. The package fortunately was not serious, but every precaution had to be taken.
“Rosemount is back to the happy and buzzing place it usually is.”
A man also living on Wallfield Crescent, who asked not to be named, said he wasn’t asked to evacuate and was “surprised” the police didn’t knock on his door.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel were called in to advise on the situation and made their way from Edinburgh to the scene.
The device was subsequently made safe by EOD and roads reopened with residents able to return to their homes by 2.15am.
Officers could be seen yesterday morning searching a property on Wallfield Crescent while two police vans remained on site.
Inspector Mark Stephen said: “I would like to thank the public for their support and patience during this incident.
“Police officers will be in the area during February 28 as inquiries continue, but there is no threat to any members of the public”
