Caltongate could put Edinburgh's heritage status at risk

Edinburgh’s world heritage status could be scrutinised by Unesco after demands for a public inquiry into the £300m Caltongate project were rejected.

Work on the scheme will start in the next few months after being given the go ahead by the Scottish government yesterday, despite fears the impact it will have on Edinburgh’s historic Old Town.

The project, which includes a five-star hotel, conference centre and flats, will leave only the facade of the 1930s tenement block in the Royal Mile.

But according to the Scotsman, a report on the site is expected to be included on the agenda of a Unesco conference in Quebec next month.

A heritage committee may then order an inquiry as to whether Edinburgh be included on an “at-risk” list.