Protecting our special heritage

The Old and the New Towns of Edinburgh form one of the most beautiful cityscapes in the world and, in 1995, the area was listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

In fact, more than three quarters of the buildings within the site are listed for their architectural or historical interest.

But as a thriving city centre, Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site is unusual. There is constant pressure for new development and this must be accommodated sensitively and harmoniously.

Protection of the site relies on the effective operation of the planning system and the values of UNESCO are fully taken into account in planning decisions.

In November 2008, experts from UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre and the International Council on Monuments and Sites visited Edinburgh to look at some development projects in the World Heritage area and how they might affect its standards.

The experts are preparing a report of their findings for the World Heritage Committee’s meeting in June 2009.

The Committee will then decide whether any particular action is required to help safeguard the site.

Historic Scotland and the Council have jointly set up Edinburgh World Heritage as a trust to manage of the Site.

The Trust promotes the appreciation of the site, provides grant aid for repairs and publishes the management plan.

World Heritage Day is celebrated around the world on 18 April each year. This yearwill see the launch of the House Histories trail, inviting you to discover some of the fascinating layers of history that lie hidden behind the stone facades. Visit the Edinburgh World Heritage website www.ewht.org.uk for details about World Heritage Day, and look out for more heritage events later this year.