Royal Mile’s businesses join forces

BUSINESS owners on the Royal Mile have united to ­preserve the street’s reputation as a major attraction.

The Royal Mile Business Association formed days after the Evening News revealed plans to improve the street could include the installation of orange setts or cobbles.

One idea being discussed as part of the Royal Mile action plan is extending the cobbled road surface, which runs from the Castle, as far as St Mary’s Street, down to Holyrood

It plans to give shop owners a united voice to deal with the relevant authorities on issues including lighting, paving and streetscape.

The committee of the first Royal Mile Business Association (RMBA) was voted in at its inaugural meeting at the Hub in Castlehill last week.

Inaugural RMBA chairman Gary Still, owner of the WHISKI Bar and Restaurant, explained: “RMBA’s aim will be to work with all businesses to make sure their ­suggestions and interests are supported, and encourage the street ­community to have its say on continuously improving the Royal Mile for locals and ­visitors.”