Activist faces £50,000 legal bill after losing appeal on hotel tree protest

AN activist who camped in a tree to protest a hotel development is facing a legal bill of up to £50,000 after losing his appeal against a court ruling.

Simon Byrom, 49, lived 20ft above ground in a sycamore tree for a week to demonstrate against the building of a 225-bedroom hotel.

The community councillor argued development plans for the Cowgate area of Edinburgh would put the nearby Central Library at risk and destroy the unique atmosphere in the Old Town. More than 5,000 people signed a petition to protect the library and stop the development.

But now Mr Byrom expects a £50,000 legal bill after losing his appeal.

He says his home is now “on the line” following the Court of Session ruling the council acted correctly when it allowed developers Dreamvale Properties Development Limited to create the hotel.

He said: “What’s more important than the money is the future of the Old Town and the reputation of the city. It’s much more

T than disappointing, it’s potentially devastating.”

Mr Byrom argued the plans would have a negative impact.

In her ruling, Lady Wise said: “However, no errors in the decision-making process have been established.”

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