Comics make a stand over Assembly Rooms revamp

TOP comedians and actors have joined a campaign to stop a controversial redevelopment of Edinburgh's Assembly Rooms.

Comics Johnny Vegas and Jo Brand, along with actors Simon Callow and Brian Cox, are among those who have recorded video messages to be shown to councillors who are due to decide on the 9.3 million plans for the George Street venue next week.

The refurbishment, which will see the building close for around 18 months, would involve two new shop units being created on the ground floor facing on to George Street, along with a restaurant to the rear.

The campaigners claim it would make the building too commercialised and damage its historic character. They also claim the public has not been properly informed of the plans.

But Steve Cardownie, the council's festivals and events champion, dismissed the protests as "pure scaremongering".