Lothian MSP Gordon Lindhurst has today led a debate on the future of the World Heritage Site in Edinburgh, using a Member’s debate to raise the issue which has come under scrutiny in recent years.
The Old and New Towns in Edinburgh were awarded the status by UNESCO in 1995 due to the “harmonious juxtaposition of these two highly contrasting historic areas, each containing buildings of great significance.” (UNESCO). However, recent controversial planning applications have led to debate around the future of the status, with murmurings that UNESCO have called into question the effects on some of the historic buildings in the World Heritage Site.
The Edinburgh World Heritage Trust also recently conducted a survey on 202 buildings in the Old Town during National Maintenance Week, finding that 72% of the building surveyed required some form of repair.
Edinburgh Council, alongside Edinburgh World Heritage and Historic Environment Scotland, are working on the 2017-2022 Management Plan for the World Heritage Site and have conducted a survey amongst the public for their views. It recently found that whilst the “awareness of the city centre’s World Heritage Site status was rated highly, respondents were mostly unaware of what it meant and what the benefits were.” (Edinburgh Council).
A combination of these factors led Gordon to instigate a debate on the future of the Site, to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining it during a period of change in the city. He was joined by Conservative colleagues Miles Briggs and Alexander Stewart, as well as MSPs within Lothian; Andy Wightman, Alison Johnstone and Ben MacPherson.
Speaking during the debate, Gordon Lindhurst MSP said, “Sometimes, we cease to appreciate what we should enjoy. Familiarity can even breed contempt. Many buildings change hands and use. It is against this background of the outstanding built heritage that Edinburgh has, that I have brought today’s debate to our national parliament in the hope that it will help to assist in the preservation of the irreplaceable for generations to come.
Continued success of the city as an attractive place to live, work and do business depends on its roots. Protection of the World Heritage Site is not a bar to this, but compliments it. Businesses benefit from the world-renowned setting even as our city benefits from the investment generated.”
Gordon highlighted possible areas for consideration, such as integrating the Management Plan for the Site with future city plans, as well filling the vacuum left by the former Statutory Notice repair system. He said, “Thought must be given as to how maintenance work can be managed and encouraged, possibly through legislation or other incentives.”
Speaking after the debate Gordon said, “I was delighted to bring the issue of the future of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site to the national level. It is a timely debate and the future of the status is one we can all support and work towards. I hope this is a stepping stone to further promote the World Heritage Site and I look forward to working with others, including Edinburgh World Heritage, who work tirelessly in this area.”
You can watch the debate here - http://www.scottishparliament.tv/Archive/Index/d0d713a2-397a-4d78-be9f-c7b7ee49974d?Area=&categoryId=7c73db9f-2429-48aa-a999-bb851e6304ac&parentCategoryClicked=False&pageNumber=1&orderByField=ScheduledStart&queryOrder=DESC