Splendour of Scots capital's old town under threat

Edinburgh, Robert Louis Stevenson once said, is what Paris ought to be.

It is a city with a skyline of architectural splendour which is a magnet to tourists from all over the world

But today, firefighters were battling to save the heart of Scotland’s capital city, the medieval Old Town, which is a World Heritage Site.

The area, made up of a complex network of business and residential premises, boasts many buildings of significant historic and architectural interest.

In the centre of the Old Town, lofty buildings tumble down the spine of the Royal Mile, running from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

From the length of the Royal Mile runs a spider’s web of cobbled alleyways, ancient courtyards and wynds.

And above it all, in its towering splendour, stands Edinburgh Castle.

Part of the Old Town which has been destroyed by the fire is the Grassmarket area, a lively place with a number of bars, cafes and restaurants frequented by students.

It has a market dating back several hundred years. The first written record of a trading area is from 1477.

The Old Town also includes the previously independent burgh of the Canongate, which was home to Edinburgh’s nobility until the late 18th Century.

In 1995 both the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh were declared to be a World Heritage Site.

As well as being of economic importance to the city, the Old Town is also home to almost 8,000 people.

Over the past decade, many properties have been refurbished and new homes built in keeping with the surroundings.

The Old Town was the home of the Scottish Parliament until the Union with England of 1707. It was also the home of the law courts, learning and commerce.

Following its 16th century suspension, the Scottish Parliament re-convened in the Old Town in 1999 at the Mound, close by its earlier home.

A permanent parliament building is now being built at the other end of the Old Town in Holyrood.

As well as the splendour of Edinburgh Castle, the area boasts a number of other historic buildings including the Palace of Holyroodhouse – the Queen’s official residence when she stays in Scotland – St Giles’ Cathedral, John Knox House, Edinburgh University, the City Chambers and the Royal Museum of Scotland.

A number of Edinburgh Festival events also take place in the area.