world heritage site monitoring report

Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site

Monitoring Report 2007/8 and 2008/9

Table of Contents

Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................................... ..6

1. STATUTORY PROTECTION ........................................................................................................................................ ..7

1.1 The Management Plan .................................................................................................................................................... ..7

1.2 The Development Plan ................................................................................................................................................... ..7

1.3 Edinburgh Planning Guidance ....................................................................................................................................... ..8

1.4 Buffer Zone .................................................................................................................................................................... ..8

1.5 Guideline for the Protection of Key Views .................................................................................................................... ..8

2. CONDITION OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT ................................................................................................................... ..9

2.1 Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings ...................................................................................................................... ..9

2.2 New listings .................................................................................................................................................................... 11

2.3 Archeology .................................................................................................................................................................... 14

2.4 Buildings at Risk ............................................................................................................................................................ 15

2.5 Other issues ................................................................................................................................................................... 18

2.6 Public Realm .................................................................................................................................................................. 19

2.6.1 St Andrew Square ....................................................................................................................................................... 19

2.6.2 Grassmarket ................................................................................................................................................................. 20

2.7 City Centre Footfall ...................................................................................................................................................... 21

2.8 Street Cleanliness .......................................................................................................................................................... 22

2.9 Energy Heritage Project ................................................................................................................................................ 23

2.9.1 Gilmour’s Close ........................................................................................................................................................... 24

2.10 Tram system ................................................................................................................................................................. 25

3. CONDITION OF THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT................................................................................................... 26

3.1 Environmental Policies in the Local Plan ...................................................................................................................... 26

3.2 Gardens and Designed Landscapes (GDL) .................................................................................................................... 26

3.3 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) ..................................................................................................................... 27

3.4 Local Nature Conservation Sites (Local Biodiversity Sites) .......................................................................................... 28

3.5 Local Landscape Designations (LLDs) .......................................................................................................................... 28

3.6 Trees Preservation Order (TPO) ..................................................................................................................................... 28

3.7 Flood prevention scheme ................................................................................................................................................ 29

4. DEVELOPMENT AND CHANGE ................................................................................................................................. 30

4.1 Policy context – changes ................................................................................................................................................ 30

4.2 Commercial development .............................................................................................................................................. 34

4.3 Development Pressures in Conservation Areas ............................................................................................................. 36

5. CONSERVATION .......................................................................................................................................................... 37

5.1 Edinburgh World Heritage Conservation Funding Programme (CFP) .......................................................................... 37

5.2 Major conservation projects ........................................................................................................................................... 39

5.3 Projects to enhance the World Heritage Site funded by the Edinburgh World Heritage ............................................... 40

5.4 Edinburgh World Heritage Enforced works in collaboration with Edinburgh Council Property Management…....42

6. EXISTING USES, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL VALUES ............................................................................................ 42

6.1 Demographic background .............................................................................................................................................. 45

6.2 Institutions within the World Heritage Site ................................................................................................................... 46

6.3 Tourism .......................................................................................................................................................................... 47

6.4 Visitors' experience ........................................................................................................................................................ 52

7. LEARNING AND OUTREACH ..................................................................................................................................... 52

7.1 Promotion ...................................................................................................................................................................... 53

7.2 Learning .......................................................................................................................................................................... 54

7.3 Activities in 2007-2009 .................................................................................................................................................. 58

7.4 Conservation skills and training ..................................................................................................................................... 59

8. RESOURCES AND MANAGEMENT .......................................................................................................................... 60

9. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ........................................................................................................... 62

List of Figures

Figure1. Conservation areas within the World Heritage Site …...........................................................................................................9

Figure 2. Number of listed buildings in the World Heritage Site..........................................................................................................9

Figure 3. Ratio of listed buildings in the World Heritage Site............................................................................................................10

Figure 4. Number of listed items in conservation areas within the World Heritage Site in April 2009..............................................10

Figure 5. Ratio of listed items by conservation areas within the World Heritage Site in April 2009.................................................11

Figure 6. Holyrood Resurvey...............................................................................................................................................................11

Figure 7. Dean Phases 1 & 2................................................................................................................................................................12

Figure 8. New De-listings (Holyrood Resurvey) ................................................................................................................................12

Figure 9. Scheduled Ancient Monuments .........................................................................................................................................13

Figure 10. Summary of Building at Risk Register Survey for different cities in Scotland.................................................................15

Figure 11. Summary of Building at Risk Register Survey for different parts of Edinburgh...............................................................16

Figure 12. Category „A‟ Listed Buildings at Risk...............................................................................................................................16

Figure 13. Non Category „A‟ Buildings at Risk..................................................................................................................................17

Figure 14. Buildings Under Restoration (Previously At Risk) ...........................................................................................................18

Figure 15. Weekly footfall by streets...................................................................................................................................................21

Figure 16. CIMS Cleanliness Index for Edinburgh and Edinburgh City Centre, 2001-2008..............................................................22

Figure 17. Gardens and designed landscapes in the World Heritage Site...........................................................................................26

Figure 18. Approved major developments in the World Heritage Site and analysis of present major developments........................30

Figure 19. Breakdown of Determined Planning Applications in the World Heritage Site 2003-2008 …..........................................32

Figure 20. Listed Building Consents and Planning Permission for energy saving measures in the World Heritage Site…………...33

Figure 21. Trends in planning permissions for energy saving measures ............................................................................................33

Figure 22. Retail developments in 2008..............................................................................................................................................34

Figure 23. Hotel developments in 2008 (number of rooms)...............................................................................................................34

Figure 24. Housing by Core Development Areas (CDAs) in 2007/2008 ...........................................................................................34

Figure 25. Property sectors by location of development.....................................................................................................................35

Figure 26. Planning application fees for developments in conservation areas, as a % of Edinburgh total 2002 – 2006....................36

Figure 27. CFP Awards........................................................................................................................................................................38

Figure 28. Total number of statutory notices for the World Heritage Site..........................................................................................41

Figure 29. List of enforced works grant aided by Edinburgh World Heritage....................................................................................41

Figure 30. Demographics of Edinburgh and Scotland.........................................................................................................................42

Figure 31. Residential population in the World Heritage Site.............................................................................................................42

Figure 32. Residential population breakdown to different areas ........................................................................................................43

Figure 33. Population Estimate in the World Heritage Site for 2007/08 ............................................................................................44

Figure 34. Employment structure in the World Heritage Site.............................................................................................................44

Figure 35. Proportion of Employment structure in the World Heritage Site.......................................................................................44

Figure 36. Monthly visits.....................................................................................................................................................................47

Figure 37. Most impressive aspects of a visit......................................................................................................................................47

Figure 38. Suggestions for improvements...........................................................................................................................................49

Figure 39. Edinburgh major attractions...............................................................................................................................................50

Figure 40. Components of the World Heritage brand in conjunction with the visitor survey.............................................................51

Figure 41. Edinburgh World Heritage internships...............................................................................................................................58

Figure 42. Management structure........................................................................................................................................................59

Appendices

Appendix I. The Old and the New Town of Edinburgh World Heritage Site

Appendix II. Conservation Areas in the World Heritage Site

Appendix III. Map of Listed Buildings in the World Heritage Site

Appendix IV. View cones from and within the World Heritage Site

Appendix V. Use of buildings in the World Heritage Site

Appendix VI. Fuel Poverty

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Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site Monitoring Report 2007/8 and 2008/9

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Introduction

The monitoring of the state of conservation of the World Heritage Site is an obligation that follows inscription on the UNESCO

(The United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organization) World Heritage List. Every six years, the World Heritage

Committee requires State Parties to submit a report on the application of the World Heritage Convention. Annual monitoring

reports form part of the management cycle and evaluation, and are focused on providing an evaluation of the state of the Site.

Outcomes from the monitoring are incorporated in an Annual Action Programme, which breaks down the Strategic Management

Plan into actions. Appropriately carried out, monitoring is critical to the decision making process of the World Heritage

Committee, the Site‟s management and to anyone with an interest in the Site.

The monitoring exercise requires the ongoing collection of data for analysis and interpretation. The methodology requires scoping

monitoring indicators, which are tailored to a particular site. The scope of indicators is necessarily different for every World

Heritage Site, reflecting their unique character as embodied in the Outstanding Universal Value (Outstanding Universal Value).

The managers of the Old Town and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site, comprising the Edinburgh World Heritage,

City of Edinburgh Council and Historic Scotland, have developed the monitoring methodology over the years since the World

Heritage inscription in December 1995. This experience contributed to the development of the International Council on

Monuments and Sites of the United Kingdom (ICOMOS UK) Toolkit for World Heritage Site Monitoring Indicators, which forms

the basis of this report.

This report was produced by Edinburgh World Heritage on the behalf of the Edinburgh World Heritage Site Steering Group. It

focuses on the state of conservation, Outstanding Universal Value, authenticity and integrity of the Site. Those values are affected

by numerous factors due to the complexity of the living city. The scope of the monitoring indicators, therefore, includes the state

of the social, physical and economic environment. It also looks at the effectiveness of actions and strategies aimed at the

sustainable safeguarding of the site.

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1. STATUTORY PROTECTION

1.1 The Management Plan

The first Management Plan for the Old Town and the New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site was published in July 2005.

Currently the document is being revised by the subcommittee of the World Heritage Site Steering Group, comprising the key

stakeholders in the management of the site: Edinburgh World Heritage, City of Edinburgh Council and Historic Scotland. The

draft version will be a subject to broad consultation followed by workshops with stakeholders, interest groups and residents. The

final version will be presented to the Planning Committee by the end of 2010. The main difference between the existing

Management Plan and the revised version will be a greater emphasis on the interpretation and protection of the Site‟s Outstanding

Universal Value, engagement with the community and Site promotion.

1.2 The Development Plan

The Structure Plan sets out the long term vision and framework for land use development. Together with the Local Plan, they form

the Development Plan.

The overarching aim of the Structure Plan is to provide in full for the development needs of Edinburgh and the Lothians in

accordance with the principle of sustainable development, whilst maintaining and enhancing the environmental heritage that

underpins the area‟s quality of life. The following is the most relevant built heritage policy in the Structure Plan: ENV 1 C:

International and National Historic or Built Environment Designations - Development which would harm the character,

appearance and setting of the following designated built or cultural heritage sites, and/or the specific features which justify their

designation, should be resisted: World Heritage Sites, Listed Buildings, Scheduled Ancient Monuments, Royal Parks and Sites

listed in Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes.

The Edinburgh City Local Plan was finalised on 28 January 2010. The Local Plan includes a new Policy ENV 1 which specifies

the following in terms of the protection of the World Heritage Site: Development which would harm the qualities which justified

the inscription of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh as a World Heritage Site or would have a detrimental impact on the Site's

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setting will not be permitted. In addition Policy ENV 1 in para 4.6 gives a recognition to the World Heritage Site Management

Plan: The management plan may itself be a material consideration for decisions on planning matters. The Outstanding Universal

Value of the Edinburgh World Heritage Site, as agreed at inscription, including its authenticity and integrity, is a key material

consideration when decisions are taken on applications for planning permission and other relevant applications, whether by the

Council or Scottish Ministers.

1.3 Edinburgh Planning Guidance

The importance of the World Heritage status is referenced in other relevant guidance such as: Standards for Streets, Standards for

Urban Design and Standards for Sustainable Building, the Built Heritage Strategy and the Guidelines for Managing Edinburgh‟s

Built Heritage. These documents provide everyone involved in shaping the future of the city with broadly agreed standards.

1.4 Buffer Zone

The setting of the World Heritage Site is protected by the combination of the Guideline for the Protection of Key Views and the 8

conservation areas which adjoin the World Heritage Site (See Appendix I). The effectiveness of this protective tool will be a

subject of future monitoring.

1.5 Guideline for the Protection of Key Views

This Planning Guidance on the protection of Key Views was formalised in order to protect Edinburgh‟s unique skyline and the

setting of the World Heritage Site. The Guidance is a tool used for the assessment of the potential impact that development may

have on the historic skyline, the setting of the World Heritage Site, landmark buildings, landscape features in the urban area and

the overall landscape setting of the city (see Appendix V).

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2. CONDITION OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT

2.1 Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings

The Edinburgh World Heritage Site incorporates all or parts of 7 conservation areas (See Appendix III) out of Edinburgh‟s 40.

Their status and associated character appraisals are material considerations in determining planning applications.

Figure 1. A status of conservation areas within the World Heritage Site

Source: City of Edinburgh Council

Figure 2. Number of listed buildings in the World Heritage Site 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 Change Edinburgh 2008

A listed buildings* 656 656 656 0 877

B listed buildings** 863 864 863 -1 2699

C listed buildings* 157 156 157 +1 1178

Total for the World Heritage Site 1676 1676 1676 0 4754

Source: Historic Scotland, as at 31 March 2008

**Source: Scottish Civic Trust, as at June 2008

Conservation Area Date of

designation

Most recent C.A.

Designation

Changes

Coltbridge and Wester Coates 10-04-1987 09-03-2007 Extended 29-03-1996

Dean Village 20-02-1975 09-03-2007 Extended 13-10-1977, 29-03-1996

Marchmont and Meadows 09-01-1987 29-03-1996 29-03-1996 extended to former Marchmont CA

28-09-2007 extended to Brunsfield

New Town 13-10-1977 08-12-1995 08-12-1995 amended, incorporates former St Andrew and Calton

CAs

Old Town 20-09-1977 29-03-1996 Amendments: 14-03-1980, 25-02-1983, 12-09-1986

South Side 18-10-1975 29-03-1996 Amended 25-02-1983

Extended 12-06-1987

West End 14-03-1980 08-12-1995

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Figure 3. Ratio of listed buildings in the World Heritage Site

Figure 4. Number of listed items in conservation areas within the World Heritage Site in April 2009 Conservation Area A listed B listed C(S) listed Total

Old Town 114 274 68 456

New Town 520 505 60 1085

Dean 7 22 2 31

Coltbridge and Wester Coates 1 0 0 1

West End 11 19 18 48

Marchmonts, Meadows and Bruntsfield 2 4 0 6

Southside 4 25 4 33

Total 659 849 152 1660

Source: Historic Scotland

A Listed B Listed C listed Total

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

4000

4500

5000

2005/06

2006/07

2007/08

Edinburgh 08

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Figure 5. Ratio of listed items by conservation areas within the World Heritage Site in April 2009

2.2 New listings

Figure 6. Holyrood Resurvey Property Address Category Date

7-8 Chambers Street, Former Police Training School* C(S) 10/10/2007

55 Abbeyhill B 26/09/2008

67-71 (Odd) & 97-103 (Odd) Cannongate incl 1-3 Browns Close B 26/09/2008

301-319 (Odd) Cowgate and 1 & 2 High School Yards B 26/09/2008

13 Croft-An-Righ (Former St Anne's Brewery Maltings) B 26/09/2008

Holyroodhouse, Queen's Gallery (Former Holyrood Free Church) B 26/09/2008

Holyroodhouse, Stables B 26/09/2008

1-7 (Odd Nos) Roxburgh Street inc Railings C(S) 26/09/2008

6 South Gray's Close, St Ann's Community Centre (Former St Anne's School) C(S) 26/09/2008

64 Princes Street, British Home Stores B 26/11/2008

*was not a result of Holyrood Resurvey


Old Town New Town Dean C&W West End MM&B Southside

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

A Listed 1

B Listed

C(S) Listed

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Figure 7. Dean Phases 1 & 2 Property Address Category Date

Belford Road, Belford Bridge B 22/07/2009

1-8 (Consecutive Nos) Belford Mews B 22/07/2009

12, 13 Belford Mews C(S) 22/07/2009

3 Miller Row, Riverside Works, Former Squash Court B 22/07/2009

1-8 (Incusive Nos) Rothesay Mews C(S) 22/07/2009

6, 8 Shandwick Place C(S) 22/07/2009

8 Sunbury Mews & 3 Sunbury Street C(S) 22/07/2009

70 Belford Road, Frm Dean Cemetery Gate Lodge (Split Item) C(S) 11/11/2009

69 Dean Path, Frm Dean Cemetery Gate Lodge (Split Item) C(S) 11/11/2009

1-9 (Inc) Ravelston Terrace C(S) 11/11/2009


Figure 8. New De-listings (Holyrood Resurvey) Property Address Reason Category Date

39-41 Princes Street* Property demolished B 04/07/2007

Cowgate, Former Arnott's Warehouse adjoining South Bridge Premises Destroyed by fire C(S) 26/09/2008

Flodden Wall, Drummond Street and Pleasance Scheduled Monument - dual designation removed A 26/09/2008

Holyrood Abbey Scheduled Monument - dual designation removed A 26/09/2008

Horse Wynd 8 Property demolished B 26/09/2008

Hunter Square 7,8 Property demolished B 26/09/2008

Merchant Street 8,9,10 No longer meets criteria C(S) 26/09/2008

100-106 (incl) South Bridge No longer meets criteria B 26/09/2008

Spring Gardens, Elsie Inglis Memorial Hospital, Original Gateway No longer meets criteria C(S) 26/09/2008

St Anthony's Chapel & Hermitage, Off Queen's Drive, Queen's Park Scheduled Monument - dual designation removed A 26/09/2008

*was not a result of Holyrood Resurvey


The number of listed buildings remains stable at 1676 (see Appendix IV). The number of listed buildings within the World

Heritage Site, in comparison to the entire city, indicates the Site‟s distinctiveness in terms of the concentration of built heritage,

74.8% of the „A‟ listed buildings and 31.9% of the „B‟ listed buildings in Edinburgh are located in the World Heritage Site.

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Figure 9. Scheduled Ancient Monuments SAM Index

Number

Scheduled

Monument

Classification

Grid Ref

Condition Survey

Date Condition

90127 Edinburgh Abbey Strand Secular NT268739 n/a

90130 Edinburgh Castle Secular NT249734 n/a

90132 Edinburgh, Palace of Holyroodhouse Secular NT269739 n/a

2901 Edinburgh Town Wall, Flodden Wall and Telfer Wall, Heriot

Place

Secular NT253732 23.02.1999 2

3013 Edinburgh Town Wall, Drummond Street to Pleasance Secular NT261733 23.02.1999 2

3012 Edinburgh Town Wall, Johnston Terrace to Grassmarket Secular NT252733 23.02.1999 4

10805 Holyrood Abbey and Palace Gardens Secular NT269739 n/a

10801 Queen Mary‟s Bath and Privy Garden Secular NT267739 n/a

KEY – Condition

1 Optimal

2 Generally satisfactory but with minor localised problems

3 Generally satisfactory but with significant localised problems

4 Generally unsatisfactory with major localised problems

5 Extensive problems


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2.3 Archeology

In 2007, there were 19 programmes of archaeological investigation ranging from set piece excavations to watching briefs and

historic building recording exercises. These were almost exclusively undertaken in response to archaeological conditions attached

to planning consents following advice from the City of Edinburgh Council Archaeology Service (CECAS) and undertaken under

CECAS‟s direction.

Highlights of the year included the excavation of a new section of the late medieval town ditch to the SE of St Patrick‟s Church

and running parallel with the Cowgate, the recording of the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary in response to the Quartermile scheme and

work on the regeneration of Greyfriars Kirkyard. Importantly the year saw a major focus on the important industrial heritage

located at the boundary of the World Heritage Site, with the recording of the Central Electricity Generating Station built on Dewar

Place in 1895 prior to its partial demolition and the near year long excavation of Edinburgh‟s first municipal gasworks on the

Caltongate New Street site built in 1818, making it on of the first of its kind in the world.

In 2008 there were 25 programmes of archaeological investigation ranging from set piece excavations to watching briefs and

historic building recording exercises.

The archaeological excavations undertaken this year included a focus on the World Heritage Site‟s medieval and post-medieval

development which provided new information regarding its origins and prehistoric past. Major excavations were carried out within

the core of the medieval Old town at Jeffrey Street, the SoCo site in the Cowgate/South Bridge and within the Tron Kirk.

However, the highlight was the results of the work undertaken by CECAS and Headland Archaeological as part of the regeneration

of the Public Realm of the Grassmarket. These excavations revealed for the first time that the Grassmarket overlies over 2.5mt of

archaeological deposits and excavations uncovered evidence for Bronze Age occupation, Anglian occupation dating from the 7th-

10th centuries, evidence for a pre-burgh 11th century structure, a section of the Flodden Wall and also the remains of a World War

I Zeppelin bomb crater.

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2.4 Buildings at Risk

The National Performance Framework (NPF) is the Scottish Government‟s system for monitoring and assessing its activity against

a number of key objectives. Within this, a National Indicator has been established for the historic environment to improve the

state of Scotland’s historic buildings, monuments and environment. Each of the indicators and targets within the NPF requires a

single measure. In the case of the historic environment, the measure which has been chosen is a decrease in the percentage of 'A'

listed buildings recorded as „at risk‟ on the Scottish Civic Trust Buildings at Risk Register (BARR).

In order to collect baseline data for the NPF National Indicator, the Scottish Government commissioned a Scottish Civic Trust

survey of all Category „A‟ listed buildings in Scotland. The survey of Edinburgh was carried out in 2008 and will be repeated

every three years.

Twenty nine Category „A‟ listed buildings in Edinburgh have been identified as being At Risk, thirteen of these are within the

World Heritage Site.

Edinburgh contains 19% of all the Category „A‟ listed buildings in Scotland. The following table provides a comparison of the

Category „A‟ listed buildings which have been identified as At Risk between Edinburgh and five other urban areas in Scotland.

This indicates that Edinburgh performs significantly better than other local authorities in terms of the National Performance

Indicator for the Historic Environment.

Figure 10. Summary of Building at Risk Register Survey for different cities in Scotland - 2010

Number of 'A' listed buildings at risk Number of 'A' listed items Percentage

Aberdeen 22 68 32%

Dundee 16 82 20%

Edinburgh 29 909* 3%

Falkirk 3 27 11%

Glasgow 35 281 12%

Stirling 11 93 12%

*An individual listed item may include a number of individual listed buildings. The 909 listed items in Edinburgh comprise approximately 2,490 individual

buildings.

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The Survey concludes the following: Overall, the City of Edinburgh’s stock of Category A-listed buildings is in a very good

condition. This reflects, in part, the traditional wealth and importance of Edinburgh as the financial centre of the nation. It also

reflects the Council’s proactive approach towards planning and building maintenance. Considering the number of A-listed

buildings in Edinburgh, the number At Risk is very low. It is also notable that many of the At Risk buildings are being kept wind

and water tight and enjoying basic maintenance. As a result, very few of the buildings are considered to be at High (and none at

Critical) risk.

Figure 11. Summary of Building at Risk Register Survey for different parts of Edinburgh

Division No. of Buildings excl.

Ancient Monuments

No. of Buildings surveyed No. At Risk % At Risk

World Heritage Site 1,850 1,841 14 0.8%

Suburban Edinburgh 499 496 9 1.8%

Rural Edinburgh 74 67 7 10.4%

Edinburgh Overall 2,423 2,404 30 1.2%

Source: Scottish Civic Trust

The results of the survey show that Edinburgh is the best performing local authority in Scotland in terms of the National

Performance Indicator for the Historic Environment.

Figure 12. Category ‘A’ Listed Buildings at Risk Building Risk Condition Comments

Acheson House, High Street Moderate Fair The start of the repair work has recently been announced. Building to be

incorporated into museum complex

The City Observatory, Calton Hill Moderate Good Substantial repair work was completed during the summer of 2009. A

tenant for the property is being actively sought.

1 Royal Terrace Moderate Good In 2009 consent was granted for change of use to a dwelling house. Another

planning application has been submitted for restoration work to the front

elevation (currently pending consideration).

2 Royal Terrace Moderate Good In 2007 consent was granted for change of use to a dwelling house. There is

some obvious damp on the outside but it appears that refurbishment work is

taking place.

1 Baxter‟s Place Moderate Fair The building continues to be vacant. Windows are boarded over and there

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are some damp issues apparent from the front of the property.

2-3 Baxter‟s Place Moderate Fair The building continues to be vacant and unused.

4-5 Baxter„s Place High Poor The former cinema continues to be boarded up. There is no evidence of

redevelopment. A number of planning applications have been submitted for

1-5 Baxter's Place. A current application has been lodged for change of use

to a licensed hotel.

The Tron Kirk, High Street Moderate Fair The Council are actively seeking restoration and re-use of the building. A

conservation plan for the building has recently been completed.

3, 3a St Andrew Square Moderate Fair Building remains vacant and unused

42 St Andrews Square Moderate Fair Building appears in good condition. Whilst there are some signs of

vandalism these are minor.

29-31 George Street Moderate Good Ground floor occupied. Upper 2 floors vacant.

7 Forres Street Moderate Fair Remains vacant. In 2008 permission was granted for the change of use from

offices into one dwelling-house.

R W Forsyth, 26-30 Princes Street and

2-6 South St Andrews Street

Low Good The building was the subject of major refurbishment in 2009. The ground

floors are occupied by a national retailer.


Figure 13. Non Category ‘A’ Buildings at Risk Building Name Address

Conservation

Area

Listing

Date of

Build

Present

Condition

Risk Planning History

March 2008

Blackfriars Street United

Presbyterian Church

(Former)

17-21 Blackfriars Street Old Town C(S) 1871 Poor High Building sold to

private purchaser

Bishop Syderfs

2/ Rear of 125 North

Grays Close/ High Street

Old Town B

Late C16th

Ruinous High Building remains vacant

(February 2008)

Portsburgh Chapel

(Former)

5 Vennel, Off

Grassmarket, Edinburgh

Old Town B 1828 Fair Low Building has been sold to

private property

developer. No change to

the status


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Figure 14. Buildings Under Restoration (Previously At Risk) Building Name Address Conservation

Area

Listing Date of

Build

Present

Condition

Risk Planning History pre March 2008

Blood Transfusion

Centre (Former)

2 Forrest

Road

Old Town

Unlisted

Late C18th Fair Minimal

February 2008: Local Planners report

planning permission (06/05237/FUL) for

conversion of the building to Hotel du Vin

was granted April 2007 and that works

have commenced. Work completed and

building occupied.

Infirmary Street

Baths

10 Infirmary

Street

Old Town

B

1885-1887 Poor High

In November 2006, planning permission

was granted for conversion into workshop

for Dovecot Studios and residential use.

The building has now been restored and is

occupied by dovecot Studios.

1-2 Royal

Terrace

1-2 Royal

Terrace

New Town A Circa 1857 Good Moderate Planning permission was granted for a

dwelling house. Scaffolding has been

erected (2008-2009)


Although buildings at risk are often in a bad condition they hold good position and potential for rehabilitation as well as adaptation

to new uses providing the city with additional amenities and potential economic gain. Clear understanding to the context of

particular building's site and responsive proposals are key to successful and legitimised urban rehabilitation in the World Heritage

Site. It is characteristic that most of the buildings on the Register were of public use what means that their maintenance and

protection depends on scarce public funding. Private funding and efficient use established through engaging planning are potential

answers to a question on the future of Buildings at Risk.

2.5 Other issues

Vacant upper floors in Princes Street are an issue, often complicated when access to upper floors is limited.

The National, Nelson and Burns' monuments have been repaired as a part of the Twelve Monuments Project. There is also an

intention to bring back to use the Royal High School and James Craig's House. The Calton Hill Working Group was set up by

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Edinburgh World Heritage to provide a forum for helping to develop a vision for Calton Hill. This will result in the creation of a

management plan to ensure the proper maintenance and sustainable use of Calton Hill in the future.

Edinburgh World Heritage and City of Edinburgh Council carry out ongoing monitoring of the condition of building in the World

Heritage Site in order to adapt Conservation Funding Programme strategies to changing conditions in the built environment. The

outcome of this activity is coordinated with the

Scottish Civic.

2.6 Public Realm

In 2003, a partnership consisting of Edinburgh City Centre Management Company (ECCM), Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh &

Lothians, City of Edinburgh Council, Historic Scotland and Edinburgh World Heritage (Trust) commissioned a City Centre Public

Realm Review, which identified a number of opportunities to improve the pedestrian environment of the city centre under the

Capital Streets Programme. This theme was a key component of the Edinburgh City Vision 2003 and the Strategy and Action Plan

for the City Centre. Recently completed flagship projects are St Andrew Square and the Grassmarket.

2.6.1 St Andrew Square

Following an initiative to open the gardens to the public for the first time since its creation in 1768, St Andrew Square gardens has

undergone a £2.6 million redesign. The Square has been designed as part of a programme to rejuvenate some of Edinburgh¹s most

high profile and historic spaces in order to ensure that Edinburgh remains commercially vibrant, and competitive with other

European capitals.

The redevelopment of St Andrew Square has created a major new public open space in the heart of Edinburgh's World Heritage

Site. The project redesigned and opened up, to the public, underused and neglected private gardens, allowed greater appreciation

of the Melville Monument and created a new pedestrian route through the gardens linking the St James centre and Princes

Street/Rose Street. The contemporary design provides a sensitive and contextual response to the classical geometry of the New

Town whilst creating a public space that responds to the way we live today.

Scottish Award for Quality in Planning – commendation in 2009

Landscape Institute: winner President’s Award for the best Landscape Architecture scheme of the year 2009.

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2.6.2 Grassmarket

The project was designed to open up the Grassmarket to people rather than traffic by the creation of a new pedestrianised area on

the north. The removal of car parking from the area results in the formation of a pedestrian dominated environment which allows a

range of activities to take place. The project recovers many original qualities of space that had been lost due to the increased

intervention of traffic over the years. The redistribution of space from vehicles to the pedestrian allows flexible use for events such

as markets, film shows, dance events and concert performances. The project incorporates a simple design using traditional natural

materials. This emphasises the historic enclosed form of the former medieval market place. The project design was also based on

an understanding of the multiple uses which exist in the area.

2.7 City Centre Footfall

In December 2007, in support of the Business Improvement District, 18 pedestrian counters were installed in the city centre

measuring the number of people passing the main locations.

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21

Figure 15. Weekly footfall by streets

The highest footfall is in Princes Street, due to its retail and shopping importance. Special emphasis should be placed on the

pedestrian experience in Princes Street and any potential improvements could be considered as a part of the implementation of the

tram system.

The level of footfall is unexpectedly low in George Street, given its concentration of shops, offices, banks, clubs and restaurants.

Until about 1990, George Street was a part of the „Golden Rectangle‟, along with Princes and Queen Streets. Since the „Exchange

Counter Weekly Footfall

Princes Street (M&S) 304,299

Princes Street (Carphone Warehouse) 232,712

Princes Street (Next) 232,413

Princes Street (Frasers) 189,945

St Andrew Square (Harvey Nichols) 112,012

High Street (Radisson Hotel) 104,377

Rose Street (Black & Lizars) 104,279

South Bridge (Offbeat Clothing) 99,087

South Bridge (Latest News) 96,270

Shandwick Place (Specsavers) 81,255

Shandwick Place (Lothina Buses) 73,824

High Street (Bella Italia) 72,040

George Street (Dome) 68,547

Lothian Road (Pizza Hut) 54,615

George Street (Whistles) 51,279

Grassmarket (Costume Haha) 50,161

George Street (Rohan) 47,843

Lothian Road (B&L) 34,005


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22

District‟ has been constructed, providing modern office accommodation, the importance of George Street as an office destination

has altered. This has allowed it to develop as a specialist retail/cafe destination.

It is anticipated that successful completion of the Capital Streets Project in the Grassmarket will result in increased footfall,

enlivening the area as well as assisting local small businesses.

Although Lothian Road is not the main pedestrian route in the city centre, reflected in a low position in the ranking, it plays a role

as a link between the West End, Castle Terrace and the Exchange District. Currently, Festival Square is underused and any future

changes in the area should consider improvements that would raise public interest in the area. The footfall in the World Heritage

Site should be regularly monitored in order to assist in targeting public realm priorities.

2.8 Street Cleanliness

Cleanliness of the streets is one the most challenging issues in the City Centre/World Heritage Site. The reason for this is the

complexity of factors that have to be considered in order to maintain a balance between the Site’s visual aesthetics and comfort of

living. The high footfall and general high activity within the city centre area require additional attention to environmental

cleanliness. The situation becomes particularly difficult during big, citywide events such as the Edinburgh Fringe.

Figure 16. CIMS Cleanliness Index for Edinburgh and Edinburgh City Centre, 2001-2008

CIMS Cleanliness Index (100 =litter free)

Source: City of Edinburgh Council State of Environment 2008

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23

The diagram shows that the situation is gradually improving in both the City Centre and Edinburgh generally, due to initiatives

such as “Keep Edinburgh Clean”. The World Heritage Site is subject to special attention of the Containerisation Group, which

contains representation of City of Edinburgh Council, Historic Scotland, Edinburgh World Heritage. The Group is looking at the

best solutions to improve waste management within the Site without damaging the quality of the streetscape.

In December 2007, City of Edinburgh Council published supplementary planning guidance on siting waste containers.

2.9 Energy Heritage Project

Edinburgh World Heritage granted £40,465 towards a pilot project to demonstrate how historic buildings can be made more

energy efficient. The project has a strategic objective aimed at achieving the protection of historic buildings in the future, keeping

them comfortable and energy efficient without placing occupants at risk of fuel poverty (see Appendix VII).

Edinburgh World Heritage worked in partnership with Changeworks, in installing a range of energy efficiency measures in

Category B listed Georgian properties on Lauriston Place, owned by the Lister Housing Co-operative.

A series of sympathetic energy saving measures were introduced such as secondary glazing, draught proofing, replacement

shutters, floor and loft insulation, low energy lighting, smart monitors and energy advice. Energy rating software projected the

following results:

Annual energy cost for each flat reduced by an average of £175 (in some cases up to £400)

Annual CO2 emissions of each flat reduced by an average of over 1 tonne (in some cases 2.4 tonnes)

Annual energy consumption of each flat reduced by an average of 5,000 kWh (in some cases up to 12,000 kWh).

The National Home Energy Rating (NHER) of each flat increased by up to 1.5.

Further assessment of the project‟s impact is on-going, and Changeworks, with an input from Edinburgh World Heritage,

published an energy saving good practice guide in March 2008.

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24

2.9.1 Gilmour’s Close

The issue of climate challenge is one of the most ambitious agenda items of the Scottish Government. This has been emphasised in

Changing our Ways – Scottish Climate Change Programme, published in March 2006. The intention is that Scotland will take the

lead in tackling climate change. The main aims include reduction of carbon emissions of 1.7m tonnes by 1m tonnes in 2010 and

80% reduction by 2050. The historic environment must be responsive to this in order to achieve sustainability.

The City of Edinburgh has taken steps already through initiatives such as Energy Heritage and the restoration of Gilmour‟s Close.

The second project is particularly important as it shows that energy efficiency measures can be applied to historic buildings. This

project has been driven by Hillcrest Housing Association and awarded £180,000 of grant aid from Edinburgh World Heritage, the

Energy Saving Trust and City of Edinburgh Council. The work was carried on in two main phases:

Phase 1 (1998) Edinburgh Old Town Renewal Trust and Old Town Housing Association

Phase 2 (2002) restoration of shopfronts and (2008) restoration of crowstepped gables and carved stone chimneys

The key energy saving measures include:

Ground source heat pumps provide hot water and heating, with 14 bore holes drilled 70 metres into the Edinburgh rock and

Therma Robust 38 pumps installed,

The GSHP feeds through to the under-floor heating system and three thermostats in each flat allow tenants to control

energy use,

Heat meters monitor the efficiency of the heat pump installation and tenants‟ fuel bills will also be measured to examine

the real impact of the renewable energy,

The five storey building was made of solid masonry with plasterboard lining, the inside of which has been fitted with

100mm of mineral wool, then a 50mm air gap and finally a dry lining wall insulation made of two layers of polythene

bubble sheet with aluminum lining on both sides. The improvement is 3.0W/m2K to 0.22W/m2K,

An extra 300mm of mineral wool quilt was fitted in the roof space, which upped the U-value to 0.14W/m2K. Between each

flat 100mm of insulation was added to the ceilings for sound insulation and 50mm of rigid polystyrene flooring was added

to prevent heat loss below the underfloor heating system,

The original sash timber windows could not be replaced because of conservation concerns, so secondary glazing was

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25

added,

The back of the flats weren‟t subject to such strict conservation controls, so south-facing sunspaces were added. These suck

up heat from the sun, which can be spread throughout the property using a heat recovery system - and provide a superb

outdoor space in a city centre,

Dual-flush toilets, low-flow showers and aerated taps were added.

2.10 Tram system

In May 2002, Transport Initiatives Edinburgh (TIE) was formed to deliver major transport projects for the City of Edinburgh

Council. TIE is a private limited company, owned by the City of Edinburgh Council. The main current project is delivery of the

tram system in Edinburgh in order to the improve public transport.

Date Project’s Progress

01.09.2006 Tram details – the document explaining different stages of the tram system‟s development

27.02.2007 Quality Policy Statement - The project will adopt a quality management system which conforms to the principles and requirements

of BS EN ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management Systems.

08.10.2007 First public presentation of trams design

23.10.2007 TIE appoints BBS, which is a consortium comprising Bilfinger Berger and Siemens Group, in order to construct and maintain the

tram system

20.11.2007 CAF (Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles) is chosen to deliver 27 tram vehicles with structural warranty for a period of up

to 30 years.

03.12.2007

Final Business Case is a document that was prepared by TIE outlining:

the rationale for implementing a new tram system,

detailed financial costs and projections,

the design and development of the tram system. The Business Case was approved by the Edinburgh Council in December

2007

February 2009 Tram works starts in Princes Street

It is anticipated that the tram system will be in operation in 2012.

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26

3. CONDITION OF THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

3.1 Environmental Policies in the Local Plan

Policy Env 6: Historic Gardens and Designated Landscapes, protects character and important views from and within sites recorded

in the national Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes, which is compiled by Historic Scotland. The criteria for

assessment is included in Annex 4 to Scottish Historic Environment Policy (SHEP) available on Historic Scotland‟s website.

3.2 Gardens and Designed Landscapes (GDL)

The City of Edinburgh Council commissioned a survey by Peter McGowan Associates with Christopher Dingwall on gardens and

designed landscapes in Edinburgh. The survey is ongoing and to date 48 sites have been researched in detail and published on the

City of Edinburgh Council website, providing a valuable source of information to the planning system.

The aim is to identify and describe sites of regional and local importance that need special attention within the planning system

and protection from detrimental development. Collected information and analysis would provide the basis for SPG in accordance

with the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland compiled by Historic Scotland. Supplementary Guidance was

approved in August 2009.

Figure 17. Gardens and designed landscapes in the World Heritage Site Name and Description

(Inclusion Date)

Values

Work

of Art

Historical Horticultural Architectural Scenic Nature

Conservation

Archaeol

ogical

Dean Cemetery (2001)

An important example of a mid 19th

Century cemetery.

Existing planting demonstrates the picturesque theories

of landscape design applied to 19th

century burial.

O

O

S

O

S

H

S

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27

Palace of Holyroodhouse (1987)

Holyrood Palace and Park make a major contribution

to the Edinburgh scenery and have rich historical

associations with the Augustinian Abbey since the 12th

century and as a Royal residence since the 16th

century.

The Park is a Site of Scientific Interest.

L

O

L

O

O

O

The New Town Gardens (2001)

The internationally recognized New Town

Gardens comprise a series of 18th

and 19th

century town gardens, squares and walks.

Although broadly contemporary with other

developments in city planning, Edinburgh New

Town has the most extensive system of public

and private open space, designed to take full

advantage of the topography and Edinburgh

townscape.

O

O

S

O

O

H

H

O – Outstanding

H – High

S – Some

L - Little


3.3 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs)

In accordance with the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004, SSSIs are notified by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). They

comprise either land or water areas that contain plants, animals, geological features or landforms of special importance and are

selected as representing the best examples of their kind found in Scotland. SNH monitors condition of the sites every 6 years. On

the basis of the monitoring SNH notifies, seeks protection, informs owners and occupiers about any implications related to the

sites.

There are 2 SSSIs in the World Heritage Site: Calton Hill and Castle Rock. The both sites are managed by the City of Edinburgh

Council.

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28

3.4 Local Nature Conservation Sites (Local Biodiversity Sites)

Local authorities through the Local Plan process designate LNCS. In 2006 Scottish Natural Heritage published guidance

“Establishing and Managing Local Nature Conservation Site System in Scotland”, providing an explicit purpose for the LNCS

system, namely “to identify biodiversity and geodiversity of at least local importance, and to assist efforts to protect and enhance

these interests”. The guidance recommends use of consistent methodology and nomenclature.

Sites are part-owned by the City of Edinburgh Council and managed by Services for Communities in order to accommodate public

access as well as enhance biodiversity features. Designations are currently under review. Local Biodiversity Sites and Geodiversity

Sites will form a part of the new development plan and will be presented to the Planning Committee in August 2010.

There are 2 LNCS in the World Heritage Site: Water of Leith Valley and Calton Hill.

3.5 Local Landscape Designations (LLDs)

LLDs are non statutory designations defined by local authorities through the development plan process with a review plan process

with a view to safeguarding areas of regional or local landscape importance from inappropriate development. Different

nomenclature and methodologies used in designations throughout Scotland were identified by SNH and Historic Scotland in

Guidance on Local Landscape Designations (2005).

The current LLDs are reviewed in conjunction with the development plan cycle. Existing designations will be replaced with the

more consistently defined Special Landscape Areas (Spas). There are 22 candidate areas considered for the new designation and to

be presented to the Planning Committee in February 2010.

There are 5 candidate LLDs in the World Heritage Site: Water of Leith, Castle Rock, Princes Street Gardens, Calton Hill,

Holyrood (Part of the Grounds of Palace of Holyrood)

3.6 Trees Preservation Order (TPO)

Trees are protected through the Town and Country Planning (Scotalnd) Act 1997, (Tree Protection Orders – Section 160), and

Planning conditions (Section 159). TPOs are identified by local authorities to protect individual trees, groups of trees or areas of

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29

woodland which make a significant contribution to the local landscape or townscape.

As for 2008, there are 152 TPOs in the City of Edinburgh, including 6 in the World Heritage Site.

3.7 Flood prevention scheme

A flood prevention scheme for Water of Leith Area was published in 2003 as a response to the severe flooding in 2000, which

caused damage to 500 properties and businesses.

In March 2007, The Scottish Ministers approved a modified version of the scheme for Water of Leith. The new scheme includes

several significant improvements such as construction of a weir at Ester Bavelaw Causeway at Threipmuir Reservoir, and raising

the footbridges at Well Court and behind the Menzies Hotel on Belford Road to reduce the risk of blockage

In June 2007, Magdala Crescent works were completed providing the city with sewer storage, which will contribute towards

improved water quality, as required by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency

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30

4. DEVELOPMENT AND CHANGE

4.1 Policy context – changes

Changes to the Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 from 6th

April 2009 define three categories of developments – national, major

and local. National Developments are set out in the National Planning Framework 2. There are 9 classes of major developments,

the criteria are:

All development under Schedule 1 of the EIA (Scotland) Regulations 1999.

Housing proposals of 50 dwellings or more, or housing sites exceeding 2 hectares (ha).

Business & general industrial, storage and distribution with a gross floorspace of 10,00 sq meters or a site exceeding 2 ha.

Electricity Generation where capacity is or exceeds 20 MW.

Waste Management Facilities where capacity is or exceeds 25,000 tonnes per annum, or for sludge treatment facilities

where capacity of or exceeds 50 tonnes (wet weight) daily.

Transport and Infrastructure where the road, railway, tramway, waterway, aqueduct or pipeline exceeding 8 km in length.

Fish Farming where the surface area of water covered exceeds 2 ha.

Mineral Extraction where the site area is or exceeds 2 ha.

Other Development not falling wholly within one of the above classes where the gross floor space is or exceeds 5000 sq

meters or a site area exceeding 2 ha.

Figure 18. Approved major developments in the World Heritage Site and analysis of present major developments

Decision Address Description

GRA PA6 - East Market Street / Cranston Street

Redevelopment and erection of buildings for residential flats, offices, alternative office

and/or community facility, and retail (Class 1) use, access and servicing area. Realignment

and alterations of Cranston Street (as amended)

GRA 28 - 38 Chalmers Street EH3 9ES Erection of building for student residential accommodation and associated student facilities,

landscaping, alterations to access and other works

GRA

Calton Road (Land at 20 Calton Road and Land

Opposite On North Side Including Calton Hill

Stairs)

Erection of buildings for residential (flats), use of ground floors as day centre (community

facility), alternative retail (Class 1), financial, proffesional or other services (Class 2) and/or

business (Class 4) purposes and landscaping works

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31

REF 131 - 133 High Street EH1 1SG Addition of 2 No. canvas awnings to frontage awning to each window recess fitted on

central transom, between pilasters

GRA George Heriots School 2 Lauriston Place EH3 9EQ Construction of new school sports centre and associated landscaping

MIX 1 Lauriston Place EH3 9EF Amendment to original planning permission for the reconfiguration of internal layout to

form an additional 10 residential units at Q19

GRA 1 - 5 Baxter's Place EH1 3BD

Alterations and change of use of the building at 1-5 Baxter's Place to licensed hotel (Class

7), change of use from cinema (class11) to retail (class 1) at 5 Baxter's Place; demolition of

building at 2 Greenside Lane and construction of additional hotel a

GRA 27, 29 - 31 Melville Street EH3 7JF Change of use of 7 flats to residential use, Class 9 - No physical alterations

GRA

PA7 - Land At East Market Street,

5A, 7, 9 Cranston Street,

Jeffrey Street (1-24)

Redevelopment, alterations and change of use of arches (19-24) and erection of buildings for

use as offices, retail (class1), restaurant/bar and leisure (class11), access, open space,

landscaping and associated works. External alterations and change of us

GRA 17, 19 Waterloo Place EH1 3BG Change of use from existing offices and retail into hotel, bar and restaurant, alterations to

windows and extension to roof plant

GRA

New Street

(Former Bus Depot) Edinburgh Enabling works including erection of podium structure, installation of ground source heating

and cooling system and associated works

GRA 43 Jeffrey Street EH1 1DH

Amendment to planning permission reference 02/03306/FUL to provide 126 bedrooms

extension to existing hotel in place of approved 66 bed extension, deletion of 34 flats and car

parking, design detailing changes to elevational treatments of entire new build

GRA PA4A - Land Adjacent To New Street,

221 - 223 Canongate

Erection of buildings for residential and business (Class 4) and/or community facility, and

retail (Class1) and/or food + drink(Class 3) purposes. Podium structure (including ground

source heating and cooling system), car parking, access, open space and l

GRA

PA5 - Land Adjacent To New Street,

5 New Street (Canongate Venture)

223 - 227 - 229 - 231 - 231A Canongate (including

Old Sailors Ark)

Redevelopment and erection of buildings (including bridge link over New Street), with part

retained facades, for use as hotel and conference center, retail (class1), car parking, access,

servicing area, open space and landscaping including public square,

GRA

PA3 - Land Adjacent To New Street,

221 - 223 Canongate

Erection of buildings for offices, retail (Class 1) and food and drink (Class 3) purposes, and

alternative business (Class 4) and/or leisure (Class 11) use, retail (Class 1) and/or food and

drink (class 3) use and retail (class 1), financial and professio

GRA

Land At

Broughton Street Lane New build development of 11 No residential units as terraced mews houses without car-

parking (as amended)

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32

Figure 19. Breakdown of Determined Planning Applications in the World Heritage Site 2003-2008

Cat.

2003 - 2004 2004 - 2005 2005 - 2006 2006-07 2007-08

Grante

d

Refused

and

Enforced

Refuse

d Gra

Ref &

Enf Ref Gra

Ref &

Enf Ref Gra

Ref &

Enf Ref Gra

Ref &

Enf Ref

1 63 5 62 1 7 77 1 15 70 4 98 13

92.6% 7.4% 88.6% 1.4% 10.0% 82.8% 1.1% 16.1% 93.3% 5.3% 88.20% 13.20%

3a 7 3 1 4 4 7

70.0% 30.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

3b 35 3 41 5 38 3 45 6 29

92.1% 7.9% 89.1% 10.9% 92.7% 7.3% 88.2% 11.8% 80.50%

4a

3 5 5 1 8 1

100.0% 100.0% 83.3% 16.7% 100.00

% 16.7%

4b 81 1 14 84 2 18 102 3 30 125 2 31 93 7 11

84.4% 1.0% 14.6% 80.8% 1.9% 17.3% 75.6% 2.2% 22.2% 78.1% 1.3% 19.4% 83.70% 6.30% 9.90%

4c

10 9 1 9 1 14 1 3

100.0% 90.0% 10.0% 90.0% 10.0% 93.3% 6.7% 100.00

%

5a 3 3 2 4 6

100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

5b 60 10 93 4 11 48 5 55 1 4 82 2 10

85.7% 14.3% 86.1% 3.7% 10.2% 90.6% 9.4% 90.2% 1.6% 6.6% 97.70% 2.10% 10.60%

6 296 7 23 290 7 33 292 11 41 303 9 45 346 14 37

90.8% 2.1% 7.1% 87.9% 2.1% 10.0% 84.9% 3.2% 11.9% 82.1% 2.4% 12.2% 87.10% 3.50% 9.30%

7 80 6 20 86 9 15 82 8 15 94 7 22 73 7 9

75.5% 5.6% 18.9% 78.2% 8.2% 13.6% 78.1% 7.6% 14.3% 75.2% 5.6% 17.6% 82.20% 7.80% 10.10%

9

6 3 1 8

100.0% 75.0% 25.0% 100.00

%

SUB

TOTAL

644 14 78 674 23 90 654 23 110 722 19 115 754 30 87

87.5% 1.9% 10.6% 85.6% 2.9% 11.4% 83.1% 2.9% 14.0% 82.6% 2.2% 13.2% 86.50% 3.40% 9.90%

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33

Figure 20. Listed Building Consents and Planning Permission for energy saving measures in the World Heritage Site

Year Granted Refused Total % Granted % Refused

LBC PP LBC PP LBC PP LBC PP LBC PP

2004 1 2 0 0 1 2 100 100 0 0

2005 0 5 3 3 3 8 0 63 100 38

2006 2 9 1 1 3 10 67 90 33 10

2007 9 29 1 1 10 30 90 97 10 3

2008 11 18 2 1 13 19 85 95 15 5

LBC – Listed Building Consents for energy saving measures

PP - planning permissions for energy saving measures


Figure 21. Trends in planning permissions for energy saving measures

An increasing number of planning permissions for energy saving measures reflects the growth of public awareness and interest in

this type of building alterations.

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34

4.2 Commercial development

Figure 22. Retail developments in 2008

Local Plan Areas

Total in the pipeline * Completed floorspace Awaiting determination

New

build

Change

of use

Refurb Total New

build

Change

of use

Refurb Total New

build

Change

of use

Refurb Total

City Centre

West Edinburgh

Waterfront

South East

Total

15,547

1,290

3,000

9,946

44,091

0

0

568

1,536

2,104

0

0

0

0

0

15,547

1,290

3,568

11,482

46,195

24,338

1,429

14,305

8,083

99,594

0

0

963

0

7,921

800

0

0

0

1,900

25,138

1,429

15,268

8,083

109,415

3,065

0

40,572

7,294

55,406

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

3,065

0

40,572

7,294

55,406

* Under construction + planning permission


Figure 23. Hotel developments in 2008 (number of rooms) Local Plan

Areas

Under construction Consents Awaiting determination

New

build

Change

of use

Exte

nsion

Tota

l

New

build

Change

of use

Ref Ext Losses Total New

build

Change

of use

Ext Ref Losses Total

City

Rural West

Total

248

97

345

277

277

79

79

604

97

701

935

273

1,208

587

587

8

8

269

6

275

-66

-66

1,733

279

2,012

1,155

29

1,184

608

608

12

70

82

13

13

-10

-10

1,778

99

1,877


Figure 24. Housing by Core Development Areas (CDAs) in 2007/2008

CDAs

Housing Sites – Under Construction Housing Completions in 2007/08 Awaiting determination

Consented Units Affordable

Allocation

Affordable

%

Uncompleted

Units

Total

Units with

Consent

Completed

prior to

07/08

Completed

in 07/08

Application

Units

Total

Houses Flats Houses Flats

City Centre

Waterfront

South East

West

Total

1

135

0

2

951

1,364

2,161

295

0

8,697

191

179

0

0

1,182

14

8

0

0

12

1,274

1,554

179

2

6,696

1,154

2,039

234

8

7,514

0

585

96

0

2,222

176

597

20

8

2,411

4

0

43

0

423

494

307

1,049

0

4,246

498

308

1,092

0

4,669


________________________________________________


35

Figure 25. Property sectors by location of development


Figure 25 shows that the city centre has the most balanced mix of uses although industrial development is absent and leisure is

relatively low.

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36

4.3 Development Pressures in Conservation Areas

Figure 26. Planning application fees for developments in conservation areas, as a % of Edinburgh total 2002 - 2006


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37

5. CONSERVATION

5.1 Edinburgh World Heritage Conservation Funding Programme (CFP)

The Conservation Funding Programme provides two type of funding: Project Funding for public, community and charitable

projects and Repayable Grants for residential and commercial historic buildings.

Project Funding:

Gives added value – for example betterment project funding for enforced works to help the City of Edinburgh Council

Property Management raise standards

Facilitates community projects by providing an effective framework to realise projects and attract match-funding from

other collaborators

Enables projects such as in the public realm (gardens, railings, shopfronts and appropriate signage)

Encourages partnership working to help implement complex conservation schemes

Acts as a catalyst by part funding Conservation Statements to help project develop which may often have been blighted by

longstanding conservation challenges

Repayable Grants:

Established to create a revolving grant fund which will provide a sustainable way to benefit others in future

Empowers group of proprietors and individuals to care for and repair their properties

Encourages business and commercial owners to invest in and improve their properties

Helps owners to reinstate missing original details that would not otherwise be possible

£1,197,619 worth of Repayable Grants have now been offered since the beginning of the CFP

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38

Figure 27. CFP Awards

Year 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09

Number of grants 21 16 24 34 18

Amount £ million 1,071,480 1,188,255 1,493,070 1,345,310* 1,187,829**

* The figure represents funding spent on conservation schemes and projects in the public realm, environmental improvements to areas in need for

regeneration. Edinburgh World Heritage grants provide a lever for further funding and in 2007/08 34 grants awarded worth £1,345,310 levered in

additional funds to meet the total project costs of £3,349,669.

**Respectively for 2008/09 18 grants awarded worth £1,187,829 out of total project costs of £3,526,676

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39

5.2 Major conservation project funded by Edinburgh World Heritage

Project Description Cost

Well Court in

Dean Village

1. A‟ Listed building designed by Sydney Mitchell, commissioned in 1883 by J.R. Findlay.

2. Restoration work started in 2007 funded by the Edinburgh World Heritage and property owners (55 proprietors).

3. This community led project included replacement of tiles and carved stone, repainting window frames to match

original colour, replacement of the modern concrete courtyard with sandstone paving.

£1.1

million

(grant)

Montgomery

St/Windsor St

1. 34-38 Montgomery Street and 21-31 Windsor Street is Category B listed corner block in the New Town.

2. Built in 1880s, designed in accordance with William Playfair‟s plans.

3. As a result of building‟s poor condition causing public hazard, three Statutory Notices have been issued. This allowed

City of Edinburgh Council and Edinburgh World Heritage to start repair works which included removal of inappropriate

cement repairs, cleaning blocked gutters and downpipes.

£774,204

Calton Hill 1. One of the most significant parts of the World Heritage Site along with group of iconic landmarks called „Athens of

the North‟.

2. In June 2007 Edinburgh World Heritage set up a group that would develop a management plan and vision for Calton

Hill. PHD student would research significance and history of the Hill. The research was funded by a grant from Arts and

Humanities Research Council.

3. In 2007 Edinburgh World Heritage Fund design and installation of interpretation and signage project as well as

viewpoint panels.

4. Edinburgh World Heritage granted repair works to Calton Hill Steps including decorative ironmongery and handrails.

£50,000

(grant)

Capital

Collections

website

1. In 2006 Edinburgh World Heritage grant funded digitalisation of about 60,000 prints and photographs in the collection.

2. In February 2008 funding from City of Edinburgh Council, Scottish Government and Edinburgh World Heritage

allowed launching the website with its astonishing collection of prints, photographic surveys and online exhibition.

£18,000

Nicolson

Street

Poundsavers store - repayable Grant at 37-41 Nicolson Street towards stonework repairs and restoration of original cast-

iron shopfronts

£130,120

Cheyne Street Non-Repayable Grant at 12 Cheyne Street towards the restoration of original timber sliding sash and case windows

above shops

£8,143

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5.3 Projects to enhance the World Heritage Site funded by the Edinburgh World Heritage

5.4 Edinburgh World Heritage Enforced works in collaboration with City of Edinburgh Council Property Management

Statutory notices are issued the City of Edinburgh Council in order to either alert or inform owners that a problem has been

identified relating to their building and that action is required of them to carry out repairs. The notices are served under the terms

of the City of Edinburgh Council Order Confirmation Act 1991 (see the City of Edinburgh Council website). Some

buildings/structures can be dangerous and require immediate repair to reduce a risk of accident. This issue is particularly important

in areas with a high concentration of historic buildings. The system of statutory notices was set up as an answer to problems of

maintenance of multi-occupancy residential buildings in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh World Heritage may be able to assist with funding from the Conservation Funding Programme repairs have been

enforced, and grant may be used as a lever to raise quality, and to encourage proprietors to take responsibility for their property.

Project Description Grant

James Clerk

Maxwell Statue

Edinburgh World Heritage grant towards design and installation of a statue representing world famous scientist.

The total cost of the production was £300,000.

£10,000

Charlotte Square

Conservation study of Charlotte Square Gardens aiming future improvements was funded by Edinburgh World

Heritage.

£8,129

Robert Fergusson

Statue

A braille plaque was installed at the statue of the poet on Canongate. £500

Playfair Steps Repair project of the Steps on the Mound in partnership of the Bank of Scotland, City of Edinburgh Council,

the National Galleries of Scotland and Edinburgh World Heritage

£5,713

Twelve Monuments

Restoration Project

3 year project retored some of the most important statues in the World Heritage Site with total cost of c£1

million. The cost is shared between City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh World Heritage and external

sponsors. In 2007-08 following monuments were restored:

Melville Monument in St Andrew Square (Total cost: £80,000 – Edinburgh World Heritage £40,000, City of

Edinburgh Council £40,000)

Bow Well in Grassmarket - public realm improvements (Total cost: £21,610 – Edinburgh World Heritage

£10,805, City of Edinburgh Council £10,805)

Black Watch Memorial on the Mound (total cost: £14,911 – Edinburgh World Heritage, £2,613, City of

Edinburgh Council)

£40,000

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Edinburgh World Heritage have grant aided appropriate works enforced by the City of Edinburgh Council Property Management

department since 2002, and this continues under the CFP launched in spring 2005. The level of grant offered is 25% of grant-

eligible works included in the Schedule of Enforced Works.

Figure 28. Total number of statutory notices in the World Heritage Site

Year Number of notices

2007/8 381

2008/9 379


Figure 29. List of enforced works grant aided by Edinburgh World Heritage

Year Property Address Amount Awarded

2005/6 31-36 Castle Terrace £3,016.79

2006/7

19-25 Blair St £18,81.95

16-18 Scotland St £10,304.95

34-38 Montgomery St £17,985.00

2007/8

22-30 Shandwick Place £290,311.17

8-24A Dundonald St, 12-22B W Scotland St Lane £23,167.62

4-8 Elm Row £12,575.35

6-11 Drummond St, 2-16 Nicolson St £10,421.20

2008/9 8-22 Dundonald St £21,283

86-96 Grassmarket £1,819

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6. EXISTING USES, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL VALUES

6.1 Demographic background

Figure 30. Demographics of Edinburgh and Scotland

Edinburgh Scotland

1991 %Change 2001 %Change 2008 1997 %Change 2001 %Change 2008

Population 418,914 7.0 448,624 5.1 471,650 5,083,340 -0.4 5,062,011 2.1 5,168,500

Households 185,664 10.2 204,683 6.3 217,654 2,139,409 7.8 2,307,305 0.3 2,313,778

Figure 31. Residential population in the World Heritage Site

Area 1991 Census 2001 Census % Change

Calton 560 540 -3.6

Cannongate 1140 1240 8.8

Dean 700 1080 54.3

First New Town 540 840 55.6

Gayfield 1160 1110 -4.3

Grassmarket 670 660 -1.5

Moray Estate 710 770 8.5

Northern New Town 5060 5820 15.0

Old Town High Street 1590 1900 19.5

Old Town South 1200 1880 56.7

Raeburn & Dean 1530 1550 1.3

Southside 470 330 -29.8

West End 850 1140 34.1

Western New Town 2570 3180 23.7

Total for WHS 18,750 22,040 17.5

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Figure 32. Residential population breakdown to different areas

Although the population of Edinburgh is steadily growing, following the general trend for the whole of Scotland, the growth rate is

decreasing due to factors such as the aging society. Figures from the last two censuses show that the population of the World

Heritage Site is growing and it is anticipated that this will continue in the near future. Interestingly, for the period between 1991

and 2001 the growth rate of Edinburgh as a whole is lower than that of the World Heritage Site.

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Figure 33. Population estimate in the Figure 34. Employment structure in the World Heritage Site

World Heritage Site for 2007/08

1998 % 2006 %

Agriculture & fishing 0 0.0% 0 0.0%

Energy & water 200 0.3% 100 0.1%

Manufacturing 1,300 1.9% 1,500 1.8%

Construction 1,700 2.4% 900 1.1%

Distribution, hotels & restaurants 14,900 21.4% 20,400 24.5%

Transport & communications 1,600 2.3% 1,900 2.3%

Banking, finance & insurance 35,100 50.4% 38,700 46.4%

Public administration, education & health 11,500 16.5% 15,100 18.1%

Other services 3,100 4.5% 4,800 5.8%

Total 69,600 99.7% 83,400 100.0%

Source : Annual Business Inquiry

note : totals may not be column total or equal 100% due to rounding

note : figures rounded to nearest 100 as required by ONS

note : figures are taken from the old Dean, Holyrood, New Town and Tolcross wards as the nearest

approximation to the World Heritage Site area

Figure 35. Proportion of Employment structure in the World Heritage Site

Source: GRO(S) SAPE 2007, 2008

2007 2008

All Ages 22033 22269

0 - 4 626 633

5 - 9 535 529

10 - 15 611 624

16 - 19 940 1094

20 - 24 3832 3742

25 - 29 3757 3627

30 - 34 2306 2395

35 - 39 1649 1679

40 - 44 1425 1488

45 - 49 1183 1151

50 - 54 1091 1084

55 - 59 1109 1104

60 - 64 870 957

65 - 69 554 585

70 - 74 523 538

75 - 79 395 400

80 - 84 335 323

85 - 89 193 210

90 & over 99 106

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6.2 Institutions within the World Heritage Site

Scottish Parliament

City of Edinburgh Council

Court of Session

High Court of Justiciary

HQ of the Church of Scotland

Holyrood Palace

Scotsman Group

The National Museum of Scotland

The National Gallery of Modern Art

The Scottish National Portrait Gallery

Edinburgh University

The Edinburgh College of Art

Bank of Scotland HQ

Chalmers Hospitals and The Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion

The Royal Scots Regimental HQ

BBC Parliamentary Studios

Scottish Enterprise

British Council

The indicator of employment structure and number of national institutions in the World Heritage Site defines the function of

Edinburgh as a capital city. Most of the population in the World Heritage Site (46.4%) work for the financial sector, which

currently suffers from a recession that is illustrated by decreased employment rate in this sector in comparison to 1998 (50.4%). As

a capital city, Edinburgh hosts main national institutions such as government, courts and other subservient bodies. Along with the

City of Edinburgh Council and the health service, these institutions employ 18.1% of the population. A relatively high percentage

of the population is employed in tourism related services reflecting the city's function as a tourist destination (24.5%).

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6.3 Tourism

According to Edinburgh Tourism – A Framework for Growth 2007-2015 the city‟s growth aspirations are ambitious but

achievable. They include

Delivery of annual revenue growth of 5% until 2015 (£2.77 billion industry),

The key markets will be in the UK, Europe and North America,

Within the UK, the key product markets are in City Breaks, culture and Touring,

In Europe, the „big 5‟ geographic markets are France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain and Sweden with direct access to all,

New marketing opportunities will include visitors from countries such as Russia, India, China and Brazil,

Visitors with higher per capita spend will be targeted in order to maintain sustainable growth,

The principal growth opportunities will be in the following areas: City Breaks, Business visitors (year round),

International leisure visitors (year round), All visitors (January to March).

Edinburgh Tourism Attraction Group (ETAG) strategic priorities for the city centre include:

Capital Streets Programme – provision of high quality urban spaces,

New and improved events and festivals infrastructure,

Shaping the redevelopment of Princes Street to ensure that visitor needs are integrated into the final design.

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6.4 Visitors' experience

The data comes from the survey undertaken by Lynn Jones Research, which begun surveying Edinburgh in May 2004.

Figure 36. Monthly visits


Figure 37. Most impressive aspects of a visit


Response All, N=9394 2004, N=1373 2005, N=2568 2006, N=1948 2007, N=1778 2008, N=1727

January 7% 0 9% 8% 9% 8%

February 6% 0 9% 9% 4% 7%

March 7% 0 9% 9% 6% 8%

April 6% 0 9% 8% 8% 4%

May 9% 10% 9% 10% 9% 9%

June 8% 13% 10% 9% 8% 9%

July 9% 11% 9% 10% 9% 8%

August 11% 14% 10% 9% 12% 11%

September 8% 10% 9% 7% 7% 9%

October 9% 15% 8% 6% 8% 11%

November 8% 12% 6% 6% 10% 9%

December 9% 14% 8% 9% 8% 8%

Response All, N=9387 2004, N=1373 2005, N=2568 2006, N=1947 2007, N=1776 2008, N=1723

Architecture/buildings 68% 59% 65% 67% 68% 82%

Historic town/buildings 59% 59% 59% 58% 60% 58%

Beautiful/picturesque city 57% 50% 54% 57% 56% 66%

Castle 57% 58% 55% 55% 56% 65%

Everything is in walking distance 52% 49% 50% 49% 53% 60%

Atmosphere/ambience 51% 49% 51% 50% 51% 55%

Old Town/Royal Mile 47% 43% 42% 41% 46% 64%

Friendly/helpful people 45% 43% 43% 46% 44% 50%

Views 43% 38% 39% 42% 44% 53%

Plenty to do and see 42% 41% 40% 39% 40% 53%

Green spaces/gardens 35% 36% 31% 33% 33% 42%

Everything/the whole city 33% 33% 34% 30% 30% 36%

Other misc. aspect(s) 1% 2% 1% 1% 1% 1%

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The data from the Edinburgh Visitor of Survey 2008 should be read in conjunction with the footfall study. Although pedestrian

activity in the World Heritage Site is relatively high for most of the year, both studies show that the peak points are in the summer

and winter.

In August, the Edinburgh International Festival, which attracts people from all over the world, is reflected in increased number of

visitors. The same situation can be observed during Christmas, due to Christmas shopping activity, the attraction of the Christmas

Market on the Mound and leisure activities in Princes Street Gardens. High footfall and number of visitors in December and

January are results of Edinburgh Hogmanay.

The table on the most impressive attraction to visit indicates the importance of Edinburgh‟s historic assets. 82% per cent

respondents pointed out that the reason for their visit was architecture/buildings. The second position, with 66%, is occupied by

beautiful/picturesque city. The third position in the ranking is Edinburgh Castle.

In 2008, Historic Scotland improved the visitor experience at the Castle by opening a £2.6 million Edinburgh Castle Visitor

Reception, and a new online ticket service. Edinburgh Castle is the highest earning visitor attraction in Scotland with 1,249,326

visitors and income of £10,460,160 (spend of £8.37 per visitor) in 2007-08.

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Figure 38. Suggestions for improvements

All visitors Day visitors Overnight

visitors

Nothing/don’t know 63% 57% 66%

Costs/price 5% 3% 6%

Weather 5% 2% 6%

Car parking % 14% 3%

Litter/more bins 3% 4% 2%

Public transport 3% 2% 3%

Road works/congestion 3% 5% 2%

Signposting 2% 2% 2%

Clean up buildings/restore 1% 2% 1%

Cheaper eating places 1% 1% 1%

Longer restaurant opening hours 1% 1% 2%

More/ improve info. centers 1% 2% 1%

More green areas/flowers 1% 1% <1%

More public toilets 1% 2% 1%

Smoking ban – any mention 1% 2% 1%

Drunks/beggars 1% 2% 1%

More accommodation needed 1% - 1%

Improve festival ticket system 1% 1% 1%

Longer shop opening hours 1% - 1%

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Figure 39. Edinburgh major attractions

Position Attraction Free/paid admission World Heritage Site ?

1 Edinburgh Castle Paid Yes

2 Edinburgh Zoo Paid No

3 Edinburgh Bus Tours Paid Yes

4 Our Dynamic Earth Paid No

5 Royal Yacht Britannia Paid No

6 Deep Sea World, North Queensferry. Paid No

7 Royal Museum and Museum of Scotland Free Yes

8 National Gallery of Scotland Free Yes

9 Royal Botanic Garden Free No

10 National War Museum of Scotland (Located within Edinburgh Castle) Free* Yes

*The admission has to be paid in order to enter the Edinburgh Castle

5 out of 10 of Edinburgh‟s major tourist attractions are located within the World Heritage Site raising its profile within the city.

Although World Heritage status is referenced in Edinburgh‟s tourism strategic documents it is not recognised as a branding

vehicle. The outcomes from the visitor survey show that heritage assets are the main reason for tourist visits. A brand comprising

and gathering different historic assets under one World Heritage strategy would have a stronger message than fragmented

components. The use of the WH emblem should be reviewed in order to raise awareness of the World Heritage Site status. At the

moment the primary display is at the Mound. There is potential for other secondary locations, such as Edinburgh Airport and

Waverley Station.

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Figure 40. Components of the World Heritage brand in conjunction with the visitor survey

World Heritage Brand Criterion II Criterion IV

Historic town/buildings X

Green spaces/gardens X X

Architecture/buildings X X

Beautiful/picturesque city X X

Edinburgh Castle X

National Gallery of Scotland X

Views X

Old Town/Royal Mile X X

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7. LEARNING AND OUTREACH

7.1 Promotion

Promoting appreciation of World Heritage is a requirement under the World Heritage Convention. Article 27 of the Convention

states:

1. The State Parties to this Convention shall endeavor by all appropriate means, and in particular by educational and

information programmes, to strengthen appreciation and respect by their peoples of the cultural and natural heritage

defined in Article 1 and Article 2 of the Convention.

2. They shall undertake to keep the public broadly informed of the dangers threatening this heritage and of the activities

carried on in pursuance of this.

The last Periodic Report on the condition of UK World Heritage Sites was submitted to the World Heritage Committee in 2005

(available on the UNESCO's website). The report highlighted lack of promotion and lack of awareness in the local community, as

the main weakness in the management of the World Heritage Site.

The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site Management Plan states the importance of encouraging everyone to

appreciate the World Heritage Site. This will not only add value to and enrich everyone‟s lives, but is also the best way to secure

long-term support in protecting the World Heritage Site for future generations. The objectives are:

To engender a sense of custodianship for the World Heritage in general and the Site in particular.

To increase the appreciation of the rich history of the Site, its Outstanding Universal Values and its environmental quality

by Promotion, Research, Intellectual Access and Education.

To increase the appreciation of the economic advantages of the Site and its conservation.

The World Heritage Site must also be seen as part of the wider promotion of Edinburgh as a place to visit, live and work.

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Therefore the strategy takes account of:

The Edinburgh Tourism Action Group (ETAG) strategy – Edinburgh tourism: A Framework for Growth 2007 – 2015. The

strategy describes the World Heritage status as a key strength of the city, and highlights the city centre as an area that

defines Edinburgh's image in the 21st century.

The Scottish Executive‟s 2006 report „Tourism Framework for Change‟

The framework document identifies heritage as a key tourist product for Scottish tourism.

7.2 Learning

Learning, defined as interpretation and education projects, is another tier of Edinburgh World Heritage activity and specialisation.

Edinburgh World Heritage placed stronger emphasis and is placing increasingly greater resources on this area of work in order to

raise awareness of the World Heritage Site amongst residents, visitors and the city management. Learning strategies help in raising

not only a broad awareness of the significance of the World Heritage Site, but also of the process of conservation in the city. This

leads to greater support for the concept of World Heritage locally, and consequently fundraising from private sources towards

restoration and repair of monuments within the World Heritage Site.

The table presented below shows actions from the Edinburgh World Heritage Interpretation and Promotion Strategy. The number

of activities focusing on interpretation of particular places within the World Heritage Site and strengthening local identity has

increased significantly.

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7.3 Activities in 2007-2009

Activity in 2007/08 Description

Media coverage Twelve Monuments Project (BBC Reporting Scotland and STV Scotland Today)

Edinburgh World Heritage

e-newsletter

Four newsletter per year linked to the Edinburgh World Heritage website, distribution – 1,800 people

Key events in 2007

World Heritage Day in April 2007

Edinburgh World Heritage organized open seminar in the Scottish Storytelling Centre, on the theme of Edinburgh

past, present and future.

Speakers included: Jane Jackson, the World Heritage Site Co-ordinator, Professor Brian Edwards, Edinburgh

college of Art and Ricardo Marini, the city design leader.

Old Town Festival in June 2007

The two weeks festival aimed at highlight the unique culture and heritage of the Old Town.

Edinburgh World Heritage supported the promotion of the event and organised a series of storytelling tours,

which led visitors into the closes and wynds of the Royal Mile.

Edinburgh International Book Festival in August 2007

„Edinburgh a Living City‟ was a lively panel debate before a capacity audience, and discussed the relationship

between heritage and development.

Speakers were columnist Simon Jenkins, Professor Charles McKean, Riccardo Marini, the architect Richard

Murphy, Nick Barley, Director of the Lighthouse.

Doors Open Day (September 2007)

Edinburgh World Heritage helped to promote the event and organised a series of family activities at 5 Charlotte

Square, looking at life in a Georgian town house.

A family trail was also developed for the event, available from the Edinburgh World Heritage website and a

variety of city centre venues.

There were over 1,000 visitors to No.5 Charlotte Square, and the exit survey showed 68% rated the event good.

World Heritage Conversation with Herb Stovel in October 2007

Professor Herb Stovel is one of the world‟s leading authorities on conservation matters, and this event saw him in

discussion with the Edinburgh World Heritage Chairman Professor Charles McKean.

The event was recorded and made available as a podcast on the Edinburgh World Heritage website.

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Interpretation & Promotion

Strategy (December 2007)

The strategy was developed through the World Heritage Site Promotions Group, with representatives from the City of

Edinburgh Council, Historic Scotland, and Visit Scotland. It provides a framework for increasing awareness and

understanding of the key historic values of the World Heritage Site, by focusing on interpretive themes, identifying the

target audiences and assessing suitable media.

Measuring the public value

of the World Heritage Site

To inform the Interpretation & Promotion Strategy two key surveys were carried out. In 2006 an interpretation audit

identified how the World Heritage Site is currently interpreted for visitors. Then in April 2007 students from Napier

University carried out the first ever public survey of awareness and opinions about the World Heritage Site, interviewing

residents and visitors at a range of city centre locations. The findings proved the need to raise awareness of the World

Heritage Site, but also an overwhelming appreciation of its value and benefits:

56% of residents and 41% of visitors interviewed knew that the city centre is inscribed on the World Heritage list.

97% of residents and visitors think Edinburgh deserves the World Heritage status.

94% of residents and 91% of visitors believed that being a World Heritage Site benefited the city.

94% of residents agreed that public money should be spent on the conservation and improvement of the World

Heritage Site.

Activity in 2008/09 Description Media coverage Announcement of the HLF grant to the Nelson Monument was covered by BBC news on radio and TV along with a

feature on BBC Radio Scotland.

E-newsletter From June 2008 Edinburgh World Heritage distributed a monthly e-newsletter. The distribution list increased over the year

to a total of 1,800.


Journal

In March 2009 Edinburgh World Heritage produced the first journal in order to give a more in-depth look at Edinburgh

World Heritage projects along with features and opinion. Journal will be produced biannually and as communication

vehicle with the heritage sector across the world.

Historic Home Guides In March 2009 Edinburgh World Heritage launched a series of Historic Home Guides aimed at giving easily understood

and practical advice to owners of historic buildings in the World Heritage Site. First series focuses on traditional

ironmongery and exterior paintwork.

Living in a World Heritage

Site

The leaflet was developed through the World Heritage Site Steering Group, and promoted the benefits of the World

Heritage Site as well as reminding residents of planning controls and suggesting where to find advice. In March 2008 a

total of 13,500 copies of the leaflet were distributed to all properties within the World Heritage Site.

Visitors Guide

In March 2008 work on a multi-language visitors leaflet was completed. The leaflet outlines the key historic values of the

World Heritage Site, its landscape, architecture and history, and is translated into French, German, Italian, Spanish,

Portuguese, Japanese, Russian, Chinese and Polish. It also includes an illustrated map of the site, drawn by local artist Jane

Hyslop, which encourages visitors to explore some less well-known areas of the city centre.

Old Town Adventure

In October 2007 Edinburgh World Heritage, The Scottish Storytelling Centre, and the City of Edinburgh Council

collaborated on a brand new family trail pack, which takes in some of the sights and stories of the Royal Mile.

Edinburgh World Heritage and City of Edinburgh Council set up a collaborative project to obtain (successfully) funding

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PhD Project on Calton Hill from the Arts and Humanities research Council for a PhD student, to be employed for 4 years, developing the historical

research for Calton Hill to provide a sound basis for a management plan for the area.


Student Placement

A full time undergraduate post was created, to assist with planning and monitoring work for the World Heritage Site, while

gaining valuable work experience with a conservation oraganisation. Edinburgh World Heritage also benefited from a two

month conservation student placement working on specific area based projects and interpretation material.

Sense of Place

The strategy focuses on the promotion of an annual theme in order to inform and engage local residents and visitors. In

2008 the annual theme of 'Sense of Place' looked at public spaces such as gardens and squares within World Heritage Site.

Web based interpretation resources were produced focusing on six locations:

Grassmarket

Parliament Square

St Andrew Square

Princes Street Gardens

Calton Hill

St Bernard's Well

Interpretation media: downloadable trail, podcast, A5 postcards in the Edinburgh Evening News and The List Magazine

Edinburgh: Stories in Stone

(August 2008)

Edinburgh World Heritage project in partnership with Edinburgh City of Literature in order to inform public about links

between Edinburgh's built and literary heritage. In August 2008 Stories in Stone project was promoted at a special event at

the Edinburgh International Book Festival. Interpreted places included:

The childhood home of Robert Louis Stevenson at Heriot Row

The Lawnmarket with its connections to Robert Burns and James Boswell

Charlotte Square

Interpretation media: podcasts written by Edinburgh poet Stewart Conn were hosted on VisitScotland.com, an on-line

video.

World Heritage Briefing

(March 2009)

In March 2009 Edinburgh World Heritage offered a briefing event for Edinburgh tour guides in order to explain why

Edinburgh is a World Heritage Site. The event included:

A lecture by Professor Charles McKean explaining the latest research on the significance of the Old and New

Towns.

Edinburgh World Heritage staff talked about conservation practice.

Adrian Welch on edinburgharchitecture.com and modern architecture in the World Heritage Site.

Attendance of 80 people from the Scottish Tourist Guides Association, Lothian Buses, Edinburgh Castle, Mary King's

Close and other guiding organisations.

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Key Events in 2008 World Heritage Day on 18th

April. The celebration included:

Volunteers flew national flags representing all the State Parties who signed the World Heritage Convention. The

event took place at the Scott Monument at 1pm in order to coincide with the One o'clock Gun at the Edinburgh

Castle.

Annual World Heritage Seminar on Public Space: Public Value.

World Heritage Masterclasses in May 2008

Series of evening masterclasses in collaboration with Edinburgh College of Art included British World Heritage

Site Co-ordinators and architects.

Old Town Festival in June 2008

Edinburgh World Heritage supported the Old Town Festival organised by the Scottish Storytelling Centre.

Participants included the National Galleries of Scotland, the National Museums of Scotland, National Libraries of

Scotland and the City of Edinburgh Council libraries and museums.

Edinburgh World Heritage organised even to support the programme, with a lecture on the Twelve Monuments

Project hosted at the National Galleries of Scotland.

'Stories and Statues' a family art activity at the Scottish Storytelling Centre.

Doors Open Day

Edinburgh World Heritage event at Charlotte Square offices attracted over 1,000 visitors coming along to learn

about the Georgian New Town. Interpretation media:

◦ Displays and exhibitions on the New Town architecture.

◦ Costumed interpreters presented Georgian etiquette and life from the period.

◦ Activities for children included making fans and calling cards as well as dressing up as Georgian gentleman

or lady.

◦ Interpretative leaflet and exhibition for James Craig's House and Twelve Monuments Project.

Teacher Placement Teachers from Edinburgh primary schools spent a three day placement with Edinburgh World Heritage in October 2008,

advising on a future World Heritage education project.

Learning space at the

Museum of Edinburgh

Joint project between Edinburgh World Heritage and the City of Edinburgh Council in order to provide a learning space

for the Museum of Edinburgh to enable families and school groups to discover more about the Old and New Towns of the

World Heritage Site.

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7.4 Conservation skills and training

Edinburgh World Heritage provides opportunities for volunteers interested in different aspects of the World Heritage management

to gain experience in a particular area of the organisaton‟s activities such as: town planning, conservation, interpretation and

education. The number of volunteers working with the organisations is steadily growing supporting the professional team with its

work through various projects and activities. The value of participation lies in the unique model of the World Heritage

management where Edinburgh World Heritage takes a coordinative role. It is also an opportunity to participate in cooperation with

the central bodies responsible for Edinburgh‟s management such as the City of Edinburgh Council and Historic Scotland.

Edinburgh World Heritage is currently looking at the development of an annual programme for voluntary based internships. Since

2005 Edinburgh World Heritage have trained 8 individuals who might become potential the World Heritage managers in the

future, the table below provides specific information on this.

Figure 41. Edinburgh World Heritage internships

Intern Period of time Project

Eleanor Sier June 2005 – August 2006 Research and assistance in education and communication projects

Peter Wheelan 2005 – 2006 (Sandwich Year) Annual Monitoring Report

Irina Kravets October 2006 – March 2007 UNESCO international internship, World Heritage models of management, work culture and

staff communication

Clair Lavelle 2006-2007 Building conservation

Marc Beattie June – July 2007 Conservation Statement on Nicolson Square

Alan Galloway October 2007 Promotion, Interpretation, Newsletter and Website

Ellen Craighton October 2007 Edinburgh World Heritage Buildings of Concern Register

Kerrie Smith September 2007 – August 2008 Annual Monitoring Report, World Heritage Site Steering Group, Planning

Chiara Ronchini July – August 2008 Condition Assessment for historic buildings at the tram route in Your Place

Krzysztof Chuchra August 2008 – July 2009 Annual Monitoring Report, World Heritage Site Steering Group, Planning

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8. RESOURCES AND MANAGEMENT

In 1999, the City of Edinburgh Council and Historic Scotland facilitated the merger of two conservation bodies, the Edinburgh

New Town Conservation Committee (set up in 1970) and the Old Town Renewal Trust (set up in 1985), establishing Edinburgh

World Heritage. This ensured a co-ordinated approach to the management and protection of the area comprising 7 conservation

areas, a vibrant city centre and World Heritage Site. It provides a central forum for a number of interests. The communications

between key stakeholders in the management of the World Heritage Site and strategic co-ordination is overseen by the World

Heritage Site Steering Group (WHSSG). The role of the group is to ensure the Management Plan is properly implemented through

the Action Programme.

The City of Edinburgh Council is the main decision making body at the local level. On behalf of Scottish Ministers, Historic

Scotland is responsible for delivering policy and advice on all aspects of the historic environment. Edinburgh World Heritage is

funded by the City of Edinburgh Council and Historic Scotland, and has the role of catalyst and co-ordinator of the management of

the World Heritage Site's cultural assets. Edinburgh World Heritage is a company limited by guarantee (rather than shares). Since

1st April 2006, Edinburgh World Heritage is also a registered charity governed by the Board of Directors. Edinburgh World

Heritage aims to: promote & educate, conserve & enhance, influence & monitor.

Figure 42. Management structure

Indicator Value Changes in 2007-2008

Existence of a research strategy No Under development

Existence of a steering group Yes Responsible for monitoring and the delivery of the Action Programme through both individual and

joint working from the key stakeholders. The group meets at least 4 times a year

Existence of a dedicated World Heritage

Officer and/or World Heritage Site team

Both World Heritage Site Coordinator and Edinburgh World Heritage team are in place

Edinburgh World Heritage grant funding City of Edinburgh Council and Historic Scotland grants

Action Plan Based on the Monitoring Report and Management Plan, updated annually

Management Plan Yes Due to be revised in 2009-10

Monitoring Report Yes In April 2007 Edinburgh World Heritage published the monitoring report for 2004-06. Production

of an annual monitoring report on the State of Conservation of the World Heritage Site is a

requirement of UNESCO and included in the management plan for the World Heritage Site. From

October 2007 it has been included in the Outcomes Agreement

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9. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Certain issues indicated in the previous monitoring report have been considered and resolved by the Site's management. The

current review of the World Heritage Site Management Plan will seek to address all the issues that require long term solutions and

a strategic approach. The conclusions and recommendations will be taken into consideration by the World Heritage Site Steering

Group.

1. The review of the first World Heritage Site Management Plan will emphasise the interpretation and protection of the Site‟s

Outstanding Universal Value, engagement with the community and Site promotion.

2. The setting of the World Heritage Site is protected by the combination of the Guideline for the Protection of Key Views and the

7 conservation areas which adjoin the World Heritage Site (See Appendix 1). The World Heritage Site Steering Group is currently

considering the question of a buffer zone as a part of the review of the Management Plan. The reason for this is the complexity of

Edinburgh's built environment and the considerable scale of the World Heritage Site. The existing suite of tools for protecting the

setting of the World Heritage Site will be analysed as a part of this process.

3. A significant step forward since the last report is the recognition of Outstanding Universal Value in the Edinburgh city Local

Plan. In line with recent planning reforms, the Outstanding Universal Value is to be interpreted at the pre-application stage in order

to inform design.

4. The state of conservation of the World Heritage Site is, from both a practical perspective and the evidence in this report,

satisfactory. Public funding is increasingly scarce, resulting in greater need to target Edinburgh World Heritage grant strategies in

the most efficient way.

5. The number of listed buildings remains stable at 1676. The survey of the condition of Edinburgh's 'A' listed buildings by the

Scottish Civic Trust in 2008 identified an increased number of buildings that require special attention. Most of the new entries are

in relatively good structural condition although vacant, which may lead to insufficient maintenance and future disrepair. New uses

for those buildings should be identified with respect to their contribution to the World Heritage Site's Outstanding Universal

Value. It is important to note that the survey indicates that Edinburgh performs significantly better than other Scottish local

authorities in terms of the National Performance Indicator for the Historic Environment – the overall number of 'A' listed buildings

at risk is far lower than other authorities.

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6. Scotland's ambitious aspirations to reduce carbon emissions and improve sustainability are being implemented at the local level.

A partnership of Changeworks, Edinburgh World Heritage and EAGA has developed the 'Energy Heritage' project towards

reduction of fuel poverty and the identification of effective ways of improving energy efficiency in historic buildings. In addition,

Edinburgh World Heritage is developing an Energy Efficiency Officer post funded by the Climate Challenge Fund. The project

aims at raising awareness among local residents of the importance of energy efficiency and sustainability issues, and to promote

the use of green routes and activities throughout the city.

7. A growing number of Listed Building Consents and Planning Permission for energy saving measures demonstrates that the

public is responsive to the efforts.

8. The World Heritage brand remains underused and could be better used and integrated with Edinburgh's general branding policy.

The frequency of use of the World Heritage emblem should be examined in order to meet the aim of raising awareness of the

World Heritage Site status.

9. Over the last 5 years Edinburgh World Heritage and its partners have placed a stronger emphasis on learning and outreach

activities. This has resulted in a number of events to raise awareness of the World Heritage Site amongst residents, visitors and the

city management. In a situation of declining public funds for conservation it is crucial to demonstrate the value of the World

Heritage Site and how to look after their historic properties. Community engagement is one of the central aspects within this area

of Edinburgh World Heritage operation. The aim includes the broad inclusion of residents who live outside the boundary of the

World Heritage Site in the cultural life of the city through the World Heritage-related events and activities. This is an area to which

more prominence will be given, the aim being to ensure greater awareness and understanding of the Site amongst visitors and

residents.

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Appendix I. The Old and the New Town of Edinburgh World Heritage Site

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Appendix II. Conservation Areas in the World Heritage Site

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Appendix III. Map of Listed Buildings in the World Heritage Site

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Appendix IV. View cones from and within the World Heritage Site

The proposed key views have been numbered to give each view cone a distinct number and to make views more readily

identifiable. The city has been divided into five sections; Central (C), North (N), East (E), South (S) and West (W). The map

extract below shows the viewpoints from the World Heritage Site. Individual sheets detailing each view follow.

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Appendix V. Use of buildings in the World Heritage Site

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Appendix VI. Fuel Poverty

world heritage site monitoring report

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