Edinburgh Evening News

Until last year, I was an associate with Malcolm Fraser Architects, responsible for the recently completed Scottish Storytelling Centre, incorporating John Knox House, and project architect for the Scottish Poetry Library. These and other projects have afforded me an intimate knowledge of the evolving character of the Canongate over the last decade. On behalf of the Cockburn Association, though, I recently reviewed the Caltongate Masterplan documentation, attended workshops, sat through presentations and made numerous visits to the site. Subsequently, I presented a draft version of my comments to Mountgrange and forwarded these to Alan Murray Architects. I consulted widely among heritage bodies and other interested groups and believe that an alternative attitude to development on the site is required. Heritage groups in Edinburgh are well aware of the delicate balance between protection and progress when considering new developments. The Cockburn Association has made conscious efforts by asking input from individuals like me, to ensure its remit to "preserve and enhance" is fully addressed. Edinburgh World Heritage says successful conservation relies on the balance between preservation and change. So it is with considerable regret that not a single heritage body feels able to support the proposals outlined in the Caltongate Masterplan.