Biagi backs pledge on Princes Mall deal

EDINBURGH Central SNP MSP Marco Biagi has welcomed a Scottish Government pledge to consider exempting Princes Mall from a new law which would have seen it handed to tycoon Sir David Murray for just 40p.

The Long Leases Bill gives leaseholders automatic ownership of land or property held on leases of over 175 years with more than 100 years to run.

Environment Minister Stewart Stevenson told the Scottish Parliament there was other legislation which may touch on Princes Mall and other leases. He said: “Both the Waverley Market and some common good land in Stonehaven are governed by Parliamentary Acts.

“In view of the possible adverse effects on the provisions of these Acts that our Bill may create, I have asked my officials to undertake further work on this.”

Welcoming the announcement, Mr Biagi said: “The Bill is intended to abolish the last remnants of feudalism on large estates, not give away public assets because of deals signed in the 1980s.”