Heritage guardians demand different site for Edinburgh ferris wheel

The Edinburgh World Heritage Trust has broken its silence on the prospect of a 60-metre attraction being located in front of Edinburgh Castle rock just days before councillors are due to make a decision.

The city council is facing a mounting rebellion from heritage bodies over the prospect of the wheel attraction being operated from April through to October.

However, despite protests from other heritage bodies, planning officials have recommended that the wheel is given the go-ahead because it is only a temporary structure.

The world heritage charity, which is normally gagged from commenting publicly on planning applications because it relies on the council for funding, has warned the authority that the whole “Waverley Valley” area between the Old and New Towns will be affected if the wheel is given the go-ahead.

Director Adam Wilkinson has warned planning officers that the area earmarked for the proposed wheel was key to understanding the “international importance of the city”.

He said: “It forms a critical pause in the city, emphasising the juxtaposition between the Old and New Towns.

“The proposed location of the giant ferris wheel represents something of a lost opportunity.

“However, with careful thought, an alternative location, such as the Meadows or Inverleith Park, could give visitors an understanding of the drama and excitement that the mixture of architecture and topopgraphy bring to a world heritage site, while also encouraging greater exploration off the well-worn tourist path and spreading the benefits of tourism.”

Mr Wilkinson has also pointed out that his organisation was not involved in early discussions over the proposal, which saw the council reach agreement with a private operator, Great City Attractions, for a site next to the listed Ross Fountain, after a previous proposal to locate the wheel year-round in Leith Docks was shelved.

The Scotsman revealed earlier this week how Historic Scotland, the body responsible for Edinburgh Castle, had warned the wheel would dominate views of the attraction.

However, in his report for councillors, head of planning John Bury said: “The wheel would not be an acceptable long-term feature in this location given the historic and architectural importance of the location and surrounding buildings.

“However, the temporary nature of the structure must be considered, and there will be no permanent impact on the setting of these buildings.”

Tony Cook, chair of the Friends of Inverleith Park group, said: “There are classic views of the city from here and we certainly don’t want any commercial attractions like this being stuck in the way.”