COMMENT

The long-running saga over the future of one of Edinburgh’s most celebrated landmarks looks set to continue after the developers behind a rejected scheme to convert it into a luxury hotel confirmed they are to launch an appeal.

Duddingston House Properties and Urbanist Hotels were behind plans to turn the former Royal High School into a five star hotel. Their controversial proposal for the A-listed building on Calton Hill was rejected by City of Edinburgh councillors last month.

Lewis Ritchie, the council’s planning convener, described the designs as “abhorrent” and “ugly,” and said they were “almost universally reviled” by anyone who had seen them.

The blueprints for the site, which has lain empty for close to half a century, drew a chorus of criticism from heritage bodies, elected representatives and members of the public.

Now, David Orr, the chairman of Urbanist Hotels, told The Scotsman it remained determined to find a future for the old Royal High School.

He said: “In line with our contractual agreement with

“We remain wholly committed to delivering an outstanding scheme for the old Royal High School”

DAVID ORR