Letter: Plan to stem tat

Regarding your article, "Can a council buy up shops to stop 'tartan tat'?" (18 October), I would suggest that Edinburgh City Council should consider appropriate use of its planning control powers to address the perceived problem.

More stringent planning controls than normal are available to the council in such a conservation area and in connection with listed buildings.

Although there could be "defences" of established use or existing use by shopkeepers, to support the longer established "tartan tat" sales, it is always open to the council to seek enhanced planning powers through the Scottish Parliament, where the council's powers are derived from statute.

Personally, I have always enjoyed viewing the assorted "tat", in particular the pastiche weaponry. However, I have, to date, not been guilty of making any purchases.

The council might first canvass the views of Royal Mile visitors.

JOHN M E HARDIE

W&JS Gordon Solicitors

East High Street

Forfar