Light at the end of tunnel

Scotland Street tunnel to be reopened after 150 years

Following the reopening of the Rodney Street tunnel, the bricked-up Scotland Street tunnel will see the light of day for the first time in 150 years, with plans for using part of it as a youth club.

Edinburgh World Heritage is funding the initial work, to be carried out by community groups and Police officers under the name of Friends of King George and Scotland Yard Parks.

Andrew McRae, of Simon Laird Associates, who worked on the planning application, said: “The ultimate aim is to have youth organisations using it.

“The hope is that we can produce something that can counter anti-social behaviour.”

The Scotland Street tunnel was built in the mid-19th century as a railway link and runs for a mile to Princes Street.