August 20 2008

UNESCO are warning Edinburgh that major developments should be put on hold until investigations into the city’s World Heritage Status have been completed.

A team will visit the capital in November to assess whether the city should be placed on the body’s list of endangered sites.  This follows concerns raised about the impact upon the city’s historic skyline of new development, with Caltongate singled out for criticism.

Unesco director-general, Koichiro Matsuura, said: "I am a bit concerned about the Caltongate development. I saw for myself the site of the development during my tour and was told not to worry too much about the impact it will have, but the big concern will be how it affects the historic skyline.

"Modern high-rises should not be built in historic city centres or in areas where they would have a significant impact.

"Nothing else should be decided on these schemes until inspectors have visited and reported back."

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