Historic Scotland say no to £200,000 Olympic logo on Edinburgh Castle

The announcement followed a campaign by the Evening News to stop the proposal, which would have seen the 30ft tall and 60ft wide rings placed fixed to the Castle ramparts from Hogmanay, and remain for up to nine months.

There had been widespread opposition to the proposal - which would cost taxpayers an estimated £200,000 - since it was first announced, but while the London 2012 organising committee had insisted Historic Scotland agreed to the plans, the heritage body today said it would not allow the rings to be placed on the Castle.

A spokesman for the body said: “Historic Scotland has taken the decision not to permit the Olympic Rings to be displayed on the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle.

“Following careful consideration it is clear that the proposal would not be suitable for the successful operation of Scotland’s most popular heritage attraction.

“It may well be that there are other more suitable sites in Edinburgh, and the Scottish Government and agencies will work with LOCOG and The City Edinburgh of Council to do what we can to assist with the consideration of alternatives.

“We fully support the Olympic Games and we look forward to hosting the Speed of Light event on Arthurs Seat to combine visual art with sporting endeavour and a number of our sites are on the Olympic Torch Relay route, including Edinburgh.”

It is now expected that the organising committee will look for an alternative venue in the Capital.

To vote in the online Evening News poll on where the rings should go, visit: Click here to vote on where you think the Olympic Rings should go