Keeping the Faith in World Heritage

Above the Osbert Lancaster cartoon was signed off 29 years ago tomorrow, could have been today somewhere in an office in Edinburgh ...

Professor Stovel is one of the world's leading experts on conservation matters and assessed the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh for UNESCO World Heritage site status in 1995.

Tonight he is giving the The Cockburn Annual Lecture Keeping the Faith in World Heritage: Issues and Challenges
at the Edinburgh College of Art, Main Lecture Theatre 18:30 - 20:30
Cockburn Association

Listen to the Professor , one of the world’s leading authorities on conservation matters, in discussion with the EWH Chairman Professor Charles McKean last year on …What makes Edinburgh distinctive and how does it compare with other World Heritage cities?
Hear Listen to the Podcast

All cartoons are by Osbert Lancaster who is being currently celebrated in an exhibition in London see More here

Council Cocks Up

Council Cock up Cancels Community`s Canongate Street Party

East Market Street Saturday 28th June 11am - 4.30pm

The Canongate Street Party the last in The Canongate Project`s programme of events which is also part of The Old Town Festival`s programme has had to be cancelled at this late notice due to information received in a phone call from the council late on Friday afternoon. We have thought long and hard about this and in light of an event (of 420 plus) happening in the same street at the same time as this community event, it is therefore our opinion that the only option is to cancel the party for health and safety reasons.
Now the council knew about this other event happening since last year it appears, so why didn`t they tell us back in March/April then we could have chosen another date? Did they leave it to the last minute intentionally, or was it a good old fashioned cock-up?

You decide?

Please accept our apologies to all of you who were going to have a stall, entertain, help on the day or were looking forward to the party.
Tel 07788 755303 or email us at canongatecommunityforumATyahoo.co.ukhere if you require more information.


Emergency SOOT Meeting Thursday 26th June 7.30pm
doors open 7pm

at The Canongate Project`s Shop at 8 St Mary`s Street, just off The Royal Mile See Map

Come along and discuss the future actions of The Save Our Old Town Campaign -

Why the Land Deal between the Council and Caltongate Developer`s Mountgrange is currently undergoing investigation by the EU.

Find out how SOOT is going Global while still acting local by linking up with others across the world in New York

and what next month in Quebec means for Edinburgh`s World Heritage Status.

Save Our Old Town Website

This Weeks Events

The Royal Mile looking down towards the Canongate by Richard Demarco.

The Canongate Project

see full programme here


ALL EVENTS AT 8 St Marys Street unless otherwise stated

Monday 5th May

Come and hear the entertaining and inspiring Richard Demarco ` A Portrait of Edinburgh as a World Heritage Site` at 4pm Previously advertised as 2pm in printed brochure. Still spaces available.

Demarco on Edinburgh

Demarco Website

Earlier posting On Demarco


Tuesday 6th May

3-4pm Canongate Reminiscences
The memories and experiences of people testify to the special significance of the Canongate. Every week, on Tuesdays from 3-4pm, we will be leading a group reminiscence workshop at 8 St. Mary’s Street. If you have spent time in the Canongate at some point in your life we’d like to invite you to join us for a chat and a cup of tea. If you are unable to make our weekly meeting at 8 St. Mary’s Street, we can arrange to meet you at your convenience.

Contact Christa at cbtooleyATgmail.com or Margaret at 0131 622 0139.

7-9pm Film Screen (week1) - A Mile of Memories

A collection of historical documentary and educational films featuring the Royal Mile and including Walkabout Edinburgh with Richard Demarco from 1970.

Wednesday 7th May

7-9pm Community Land Partnerships with Chris Cook. Come and learn more about CLP’s.


Thursday 8th May

1-3pm Local People Leading with Di Jennings

"LPL is an informal alliance of national networks, local community groups and individuals that has come together to campaign for a strong and independent community sector in Scotland.LPL has two main functions - to promote the work of local people in their communities and to influence national policy development. We email regular briefings to our supporters on both these themes."
Local People Leading Website

Friday 9th May

3-4pm Street Party Organising Group
Get involved in organising the Canongate Street party. A fantastic day for all the community and visitors.

Saturday 10th May

11am -1pm Repeat of Film Screen 1 A Mile of Memories
A collection of historical documentary and educational films featuring the Royal Mile and including Walkabout Edinburgh with Richard Demarco from 1970.

1-2.30pm Banner Making Group Launch
Come and help us produce a community banner. A great opportunity to create something special for the Canongate. There will be a trip to the People’s Story Museum. Meet at shop first.

Sunday 11th May

3-4pm Street Party Organising Group

TTBC 'Hidden Gardens of the Royal Mile'.

Walking tour with Jean Bareham of Blueyonder Tours. The tour will include some social history, but will mainly cover how people use green space in the city these days.