The 26ft-rings of steel that could turn Edinburgh castle into an Olympic sight

GIANT Olympic rings that could be attached to Edinburgh Castle ahead of next year’s Olympic Games would be visible from as far away as the capital’s Royal Botanic Garden.

Plans to mount the 26ft-high steel structure on the castle ramparts have sparked anger among politicians and heritage groups, who accuse the organisers of using the landmark to “advertise” the 2012 Olympic Games.

Planning documents lodged with Edinburgh City Council show the steel rings, which would each have a diameter of 19ft, would be visible from across the city, including from Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Calton Hill and Queensferry Road.

Organisers refute claims the structure would be a giant advertisement for the Games, saying it was a chance to promote Edinburgh to the rest of the world and to show that the Games were “inclusive and UK-wide”.

The Scotsman understands Historic Scotland, the Scottish Government body that owns the castle, is supportive of the idea.

If consent is granted by Edinburgh City Council it will allow the organisers to hang the structure from the north-west rampart of the castle for up to nine months. However, a spokesman for the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG) said they had not decided how long they want the rings to be installed.

City politicians have questioned the wisdom of promoting a major sports event that would lure people away from Scotland.

Edinburgh Central MSP Marco Biagi said: “It’s galling to be asked to advertise an event that will draw tourists and visitors to a different city.”

Mark Lazarowicz, MP for Edinburgh North and Leith, said: “I would be concerned that this could become a precedent for other publicity campaigns wanting to use such a prestigious site.”

And Lothians MSP Margo MacDonald said: “Do you think London would put up a big sign saying the Commonwealth Games is being held in Glasgow? I don’t think so.”

However, a spokesman for the organising committee said: “It’s part of delivering on our promise to genuinely make this a UK-wide games”. He added that it would promote Edinburgh across the world.

Edinburgh is the first city outside London to be invited to display the emblem, but Cardiff and Belfast are also expected to be approached.