Leaders urged to smarten up Princes Street

A REPORT has been ordered on what can be done to improve the retail offering on Edinburgh's two most prominent thoroughfares.

City council chiefs have been asked to address ways that the council can help to bring up standards on Princes Street and the Royal Mile.

The move comes following concerns from councillors about the growing number of tartan souvenir shops on the two streets.

SNP councillor David Beckett had expressed concerns about the "proliferation of retail units selling tourist memorabilia on the Royal Mile".

Tory councillor Joanna Mowat pointed out that the same problem exists on Princes Street.

The report is to detail which by-laws can be implemented to improve the retail offer, as well as any planning or legal restrictions that can be imposed to assist with dealing with the problems.

It will also detail any legal constraints that would limit the council's ability to act.

Cllr Beckett said: "As a resident of the Canongate, I am up and down the Royal Mile at least once or twice a day and have noticed a proliferation of shops aimed at tourists."