World Heritage status on the line as inspection team visit

Published on Wednesday 12 November 2008 09:03

THE fate of Edinburgh's status as a World Heritage City is set to be decided as inspectors from UNESCO begin a four-day visit to the Capital today.

City leaders say they are confident the inspectors from the UN's heritage watchdog will give Edinburgh a clean-bill of health, but are leaving nothing to chance as they prepare to whisk them around the Capital.

The UNESCO team will dine at the council's Waverley Court HQ twice during the visit and be treated to a civic reception held by Lord Provost George Grubb.

The experts will be looking specifically at the Caltongate development in the Old Town, the regeneration of Leith Docks, the redevelopment of the St James Centre and the Haymarket hotel development – all of which have sparked fears over the impact on Edinburgh's conservation.

They will visit Edinburgh Castle, the Scottish Parliament, the City Chambers, St Andrew Square and Charlotte Square. They are also expected to visit the newly-refurbished Grassmarket and the site of the Cowgate fire, which is earmarked for a major hotel development.

Council leader Jenny Dawe today said she was "extremely proud" of Edinburgh's status.

But she added: "We are also a living city that is continuously evolving, with all new developments scrutinised and receiving fair appraisal.

"I believe that heritage and development both contribute to the fantastic quality of life that Edinburgh offers.

"I am glad that the UNESCO delegation have a very busy programme that will enable them to meet key interests and to see for themselves just how much Edinburgh values its heritage."

The investigation is being carried out by Dr Mechtild Rssler, Chief of Europe and North America at UNESCO'S World Heritage Centre, and Austrian architect Professor Manfred Wehdorn of the International Council on Monuments and Sites. They are visiting fresh from an investigation in Bath.

Delegates at the 2009 UNESCO summit in Seville will decide if the city needs to be put in the "at risk" register.

A spokeswoman for Historic Scotland said: "We welcome the opportunity for the inspectors to understand each of the proposed developments that the city council have been considering."