Plans for a 5G mast in the middle of the most photographed view of Edinburgh Castle have been described as “damaPlans for a 5G mast in the middle of the most photographed view of Edinburgh Castle have been described as “damaging” by a conservation charity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An application has been lodged to erect the 17m (56ft) structure on Johnston Terrace, which passes below the castle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mobile network Three UK says the mast is “vital” and will not spoil the view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But the plans have sparked more than 160 objections, with The Cockburn Association among those calling for an alternative solution to be found.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Terry Levinthal is director of the association, Scotland’s oldest conservation charity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He told BBC Scotland it was “unacceptable” to erect a mast in such a significant location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The castle is one of Edinburgh and Scotland’s most historic and iconic heritage sites and tourist destinations,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“It [a mast] will inevitably have a significant and negative impact on views to and from Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“A mast would visually damage it and therefore damage the context of Edinburgh. An alternative solution is needed as this is unacceptable.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He acknowledged that effective telecommunications were needed in the city – but said the mast should be located in a “more inconspicuous” spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is proposed to site the mast in Johnston Terrace, which runs just below the castle rock at the top of Granny’s Green Steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many city tours stop in the Grassmarket area so that visitors can capture the view looking up at the castle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chris Sandeman, who runs a free walking tour, said he was “saddened and disgusted” by the plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said: “I can see the argument for it, as there should be the option to have reception in the city centre – but this mast would destroy an iconic view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“It is very short-sighted to obstruct a view which makes money for Edinburgh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“We take all our tours there to photograph Edinburgh Castle and they then post it on social media, which helps to promote the capital.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Iain Ponton, who owns the Oz Bar in Candlemaker Row, said the mast would “stick out like a sore thumb beside such an historic site”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A spokeswoman for Historic Environment Scotland, which manages Edinburgh Castle, said it had not been consulted about the plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The application will now be considered by City of Edinburgh Council.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The mast is being proposed by CK Hutchison Networks to help provide coverage for Three UK’s network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Three UK spokesman said: “The high footfall at this popular tourist destination means that the extra capacity provided by our 5G rollout is vital for residents, visitors and businesses of Johnston Terrace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“We want to offer the community a reliable network experience and this site will be critical to making that happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Masts need to be situated where people will be using the service and, in many cases, in precise locations to ensure the widest breadth of coverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“We carry out extensive searches and evaluate a wide range of options before submitting any planning applications and we are sure that both visitors and locals will still be able to enjoy clear views of Edinburgh Castle.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Plans for a 5G mast in the middle of the most photographed view of Edinburgh Castle have been described as “damaPlans for a 5G mast in the middle of the most photographed view of Edinburgh Castle have been described as “damaging” by a conservation charity. An application has been lodged to erect the 17m (56ft)…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-505","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-scottish-news"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n