Bruce Rae Property Management

Edinburgh Skyline Study

With its eclectic mix of historic buildings, church spires, extinct volcano’s and the second largest castle in the UK, Edinburgh has one of the most stunning skylines in the world. This unique feature continues to attract thousands of tourists to the city every year and has helped solidify the city’s reputation as one of the jewels in Britain’s architectural landscape.

For decades now planners and residents have been embroiled in debate over how to protect the capitals historic cityscape. The policy, last reported on in 1968, has traditionally been that no buildings over a certain height could be built anywhere in Edinburgh without damaging important views.

Although arguably a good idea this was also potentially limiting and, with its extremely complicated formula for working out what could be built and where, has been a constant bone of contention for many architects over the years. With house prices in the city still booming there has been increased pressure for new development, something that has necessitated a re-think on current policy regarding tall buildings.

At the beginning of 2007 The City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh World Heritage, Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothian, and Historic Scotland appointed a study from architects Colvin and Moggridge to review the capital’s current high building policy. To do this they have identified a number of views from around the city that should be protected against new development whose scale and proportion could have a negative impact on the existing skyline.

These views, around 50 in total, will be displayed in exhibitions in various parts of the city up until the end of April, providing residents with the chance to input their own views on the subject. Their findings will eventually be used to assess the role of new high buildings in future developments, shaping future planning decisions made by the council.

In a recent statement Councillor Trevor Davies, Convenor of the Planning Committee, commented, “Our unique skyline is one of our most precious assets. This Skyline Study looks at the way Edinburgh has been created over time and gives us the tools to care for our skyline, and perhaps to change it, where we can, for the better.’

For more info on the Skyline study go to:

www.edinburgh.gov.uk