Ron Hewitt is a mouthpiece for Mountgrange, a pal of Mountgrange, and Mountgrange holds its Property Portfolio. So it is fair to think 'vested interests' whenever the C of C speaks. Having studied Hewitt's career, I think I can conclude he may know about PR, but he knows b*gg*r all about heritage matters and conservation, and cares even less. He's being paid to do a job.

Historic Scotland (which is one of the most toothless of organisations) also seems to have lost its way, maybe no longer up for a fight, or is it something worse? Too scared in case it's seen to be standing in the way of progress? Fat salaries and pensions at stake? Government pressure to shut up? Old boy's network? Whatever - conservation and heritage isn't about the demolition of listed buildings and facade schemes, Ron Hewitt, whatever Malcolm Cooper of Historic Scotland may have told you. Yes, Caltongate will certainly damage heritage. It's appalling. It's not world class architecture, or planning. It's a crass commercial scheme, looks like it was sketched on the back of a broon envelope, maybe?

Both the Cockburn Association and Edinburgh World Heritage objected strongly to the development, and such objections are on record. Possibly they are keeping their powder dry? Or waiting to discuss matters fully with sponsor bodies, Trustees and committees?

James Simpson OBE speaks for ICOMOS, and he should be listened to.

Linda F is right up to a point - however, and I suspect this is causing some dismay, UNESCO has broadened the scope of its visit, (it could be worth investigating why) and possibly Historic Scotland is wishing it hadn't invited it now. UNESCO feels that the Caltongate development is one which additionally demands investigation. It believes it should have been referred to UNESCO, and was not.

Don't let government PR spin, and Hewitt for Mountgrange oops the Chamber of Commerce, cloud the issues.

Then of course there is the issue of selling off listed buildings

cont.

Then of course there is the issue of selling off listed buildings and council owned land to Mountgrange, without offering on the open market. The EU recently ruled in a similar case, and found it unlawful.

Please stop saying UNESCO is a 'watchdog'. It is not.

Caltongate campaign:-

www.eh8.org.uk

Frequent updates and comment:-

http://independentrepublicofthecanongate.blogspot.com/2008_07_01_archive.html

'Ron Hewitt is the dynamic Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Chamber. Ron has over 30 years management experience with companies including Clydesdale Bank, RAC Motoring Services and Kwik-Fit Insurance Services.'

Yes of course he speaks with major authority on heritage issues. This is a man who has moved house more than most of us have had hot meals. Yes he's deeply committed to Edinburgh. Who could doubt he loves the history and architecture. How could anyone doubt it?

Does anyone except your good self give a flying buttress.

I should imagine so, otherwise UNESCO wouldn't be visiting.

In fact I know they do.

#5 What would you rather was built on the site proposed for Caltongate?

Whilst I appreciate the concern being caused by Caltongate which I am not a supporter of, I find it quite odd that no one seems to know about another "monster" plan not very far away. Perhaps because it is all in the name of Edinburgh University that everyone seems to turn a blind eye?

Planning number - 04/03450/OUT
This needs to be looked at in more detail too.

World Heritage Site! I don't get it! Beautiful architecture on The Royal Mile can end up covered in tartan tat and that is quite acceptable! See 112 Canongate!

Hotel Missoni has been criticised yet just around the corner the buildings and pavements are covered in tartan tat and that is accepted as the norm!

Weird!

and there's the bloody music!