Spring Clean in the Royal Mile 6-8 March 2012

Scotland’s most historic street – the Royal Mile – is to be given a fresh look in time for Spring to improve the look and feel of the area for residents and visitors alike.

The move follows a workshop organised by the City of Edinburgh Council to debate the future of the street, which has a world-wide reputation for its history, architecture and culture. 

Around 100 residents and local businesses and other stakeholders met to agree an action plan to improve the area and a 'spring clean' was one of the actions at the top of the list.

The Council's City Centre and Leith Neighbourhood team are facilitating the event which will run from March 6-8. The team will work with local representatives, including residents and businesses, to identify a programme of work.

Local residents, businesses and other stakeholders are being asked to join in with the work on the Royal Mile from Castle Hill to the Scottish Parliament including some sections of the closes.

The work will focus on making the street 'feel better' to walk in and around, including painting utility boxes and litter bins etc, removing graffiti and weeds and repairs to other property. Volunteers will be encouraged to assist with with some elements of the clean up.

This is also an opportunity for businesses to help add to the impact of the clean up by tidying up their shop fronts where they can.

Cllr Tom Buchanan, Convener of the Economic Development Committee, said: "The project aims to improve the quality of the street in this World Heritage site. We aim to involve as many local residents, businesses and other stakeholders as we can to ensure that the Royal Mile remains a must see destination, and a positive experience for visitors coming to Scotland.  It must also meet the needs of residents who use it every day. This is not just a short-term examination of the street - it will be an ongoing project, with long-term actions."

Other short-term actions from the workshop include appointing a Royal Mile Manager to take the action plan forward for the area.