I was born and raised in Edinburgh; not only is it the city of my birth, it is a city that I love dearly and could never abandon. I studied here but left to work and spent a good deal of my working life abroad but in 2019 I returned to Edinburgh; I had retired from a career in journalism but wanted to continue writing. Edinburgh was the place to be.
But even as someone in love with Edinburgh it’s very hard to see its gradual decline, Edinburgh has become a neglected city, a dwindling city in decay. For me the history of Edinburgh stands out above all else, but walk along Princes Street which is regarded by all as the main thoroughfare separating the Old Town from the New Town and you’ll experience something very unworthy of Edinburgh. Originally Princes Street was a residential street but in the early 1800s it started to feature development into retail and hotels.
Until only a few years ago Princes Street still stood proud, but like most residents, we feel Princes Street is lost to us. It’s a grotty and unkempt street with boarded up buildings, unnecessary shops where only the worst of the tourists come to buy “tat”. What happened to the stature and position of Princes Street? It’s like a disgraced individual relegated to scramble in the gutter to make a meagre income. TripAdvisor reviews even comment it’s an eyesore with tacky tourist shops and a number of closed stores being used by the homeless in tents. It is an embarrassment. A sad existence, a disgrace; the negative comments are endless and these are by visitors to our grand city.
Does the council care? Edinburgh City Council have acknowledged the decline of Princes Street and says it is actively working on revitalisation plans. There are proposals including improvements to pavements, more pop-up stalls, street art, and building wraps. The council also aims to enhance the pedestrian experience, improve crossings, and create a people-focused space. But everyone is asking when? It would be nice if it happened in our lifetime. Meanwhile over in enemy territory, Glasgow is thriving with more visitors and a more positive experience.
Edinburgh will forever be my home and my heart; but it’s going to take a miracle to revive the city to its former glory.