We were disappointed to learn of the graffiti which appeared on Victoria Street shopfronts and St Giles Cathedral over the weekend, both at the heart of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site.

Victoria Street is one of the city centre’s most cherished historic streets, known for its colourful shopfronts and independent businesses. St Giles Cathedral is a 900-year-old, medieval church at the heart of the site, whose ornate spire is a defining feature of the city’s skyline.

These are beautiful, historically important features of Edinburgh’s city centre and it is saddening and frustrating to see them defaced by vandalism. Graffiti can cause lasting damage to buildings and monuments and ultimately undermines the well-preserved historic environment that draws residents and visitors to Edinburgh.

This graffiti also places an unnecessary financial strain on Edinburgh’s businesses in a challenging economic environment.

Through our Historic Shopfront Improvement grant programme, we have donated over half a million pounds to shopfront renovation projects. These have ranged from restoring the Milkman Cafe’s ghost signs to uncovering Poundsavers’ intricate Georgian details. It is therefore especially disappointing to see such a blatant act of vandalism, while we work to help businesses protect and improve the unique value of historic shopfronts.

Notes to editors

About Edinburgh World Heritage
Edinburgh World Heritage is the independent charitable organisation responsible for protecting and promoting the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site. Working in partnership with City of Edinburgh Council and Historic Environment Scotland, EWH looks after the city’s historic environment through conservation, engagement and advocacy, ensuring Edinburgh’s unique character remains something for all to enjoy.Edinburgh World Heritage is an independent charity registered in Scotland No. SC195077. Scottish Charity No. SC037183

Contact jen.macneill@ewht.org.uk for further information