Makars’ Court gazebo

Cockburn Response

We object to this application which, in our view, represents the commercialisation of an important area of public space which provides heritage interest, amenity and access in the heart of the Old Town.  We cannot support this proposed change of use.

The City of Edinburgh Museums Service  describes Makars’ Court as ‘an evolving national monument’ with ‘famous words of great Scottish authors inscribed in the flagstones’.  This application does not support the court’s continuing development as al literary heritage asset.

We understand that Makars’ Court is a Common Good asset.  Under Part 8 of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015, Local Authorities as required to carry out a consultation exercise when seeking to change the use, or sell, any properties forming part of the Common Good. This application includes an area of commercial space and represents a change of use, in our view, and, as such, representation should have been sought on this proposal through an appropriate consultation. exercise in the terms of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 .