Festive lights plan will see Edinburgh city centre illuminated

Published on Tuesday 17 November 2009 08:55

TREES on the Royal Mile are set to sparkle this winter, after community councillors came up with a plan for Christmas lights.

They have joined forces with traders and the city council to provide festive lights on the famous street.

This will include trees in Canongate Kirkyard and Chessel's Court, as well as further up the High Street.

The Old Town Community Council has already contributed 1000 towards the cost, while local businesses and the city council will provide the rest.

Bill Cowan, a committee member of the community council, said: "We've been talking about this for years. You can't put lights across the street, because there are too many residents, so we thought we'd put them in the trees.

"It's very dark and dismal in the Canongate, so we really wanted to do something. The lights can be left in the trees, so they can be used again next year."

The council is finalising the project, and does not yet have figures on funding.

A spokeswoman said: "Lights will be put up in and around the Canongate and the full length of the Royal Mile. We are working with partners to help bring some festive cheer to the Canongate."