Old Odeon cinema given top heritage status

A NEGLECTED former cinema building that once played host to Edinburgh’s major film premieres has been given the strongest possible protection from heritage bosses.

Historic Scotland has awarded A-listed status to the old Odeon, in the southside, after plans to knock down its historic auditorium were rejected.

The news comes just weeks after the building’s owners unveiled new plans to create a live music venue. Bruce Hare, chief executive of Duddingston House Properties, insisted the change would make “little or no difference” to plans.