Harbour tycoon in defamation claim

A tycoon behind the £500 million regeneration of Granton in Edinburgh is suing a historic yacht club based in the harbour.

Charles Price has brought defamation proceedings against the club and its commodore, Adrian Shield, at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

Court papers show Mr Price is claiming £20,000 plus inter- est claiming to have been libelled by a letter sent by Mr Shield to his firm PIP Asset Management.

London-based PIP manage the yacht club’s tenancy from landlords Granton Central Developments.

The alleged defamation relates to Mr Shield questioning charges made to the club by PIP as a “scam”.

Yet the club and Mr Shield deny defaming Mr Price and describe the letter as “substantially true” in court papers.

“In any event, the sum sued for being excessive. Decree should be refused,” they add.

Jersey-based Granton Central Development’s harbour plans include a 300-berth marina and 2,000 new homes, a hotel and shops.

Edinburgh Marina will become the first new marina next to a capital city in Europe for decades. Work is expected to start this year and could be completed by 2019.