Murray makes new bid to secure Ratho project

SIR David Murray's property firm is set to launch a new bid to allow a housing project in Ratho to go ahead.

Murray Estates wants to build a residential development, care home, sheltered and affordable housing, and a community centre to the east of Ratho Station.

But under the current West Edinburgh Local Plan, the proposals infringe on the site earmarked for the new Royal Highland Showground, which is intending to move across the road to facilitate Edinburgh Airport's expansion within 20 years.

Now Murray Estates is to urge councillors to put the Ratho regeneration ahead of the "as yet unknown requirements" of the Royal Highland Showground.

Jestyn Davies, managing director of Murray Estates, said: "We believe it makes clear sense for an additional seven acres of land to be included by the council in order to allow these significant benefits for the village to come forward."

Councillors will make a decision on the issue – and other elements of the new local plan – at a meeting tomorrow.