Work on key Edinburgh route near Arthur’s Seat delayed with decision on return of vehicles uncertain
The future of a key Edinburgh route that closed to traffic nearly one year ago remains uncertain, with no confirmation on ‘what type of access will be permitted’.
Duddingston Low Road, a popular route near Arthur’s Seat, closed to traffic in March last year due to a risk of rockfalls in the area, and a decision on whether vehicles will ever be able to return ‘has not yet been reached’.
Historic Environment Scotland (HES), who manage Holyrood Park, have yet to announce the start date of an 18-month project that will increase public access along the road but said a design option has now been finalised and an update will be issued in due course.
Frequented by residents and tourists, the panoramic route reopened to pedestrians and ‘dismounted cyclists’ in August. But the possibility of vehicles returning remains unclear and it is understood factors underpinning the decision process include emergency access needs, safety risks and conservation considerations.
This month, HES said works to make safety improvement in the area were delayed following a significant fire at the Edinburgh landmark last summer which resulted in ‘several falls of rock onto the publicly accessible carriageway and pavement.’
Edinburgh South MP Ian Murray shared the update, which read: “Our team continues to work with independent geotechnical engineers and has finalised the design option that will allow us to increase the area accessible to the public on the Duddingston Low Road.
“This design work has experienced a delay due to the need to reprioritise geotechnical engineer resources to focus on inspecting and reassessing the rock faces above the High Road and pavement following the wildfire that affected over 30 ha of the park and resulted in several falls of rock onto the publicly accessible carriageway and pavement.
“Our draft timeframe for delivery of these proposed works remains unchanged from our original estimate of up to 18 months. This timeframe remains subject to the granting of resources, alongside requirements of securing scheduled monument consent, and planning permission.
“A final decision on what type of access will be permitted once these proposed additional works have been completed has not yet been reached.
“We are grateful for the continued feedback and enquiries we receive from the public to [email protected] about the impact of the ongoing closure and restrictions, along with views on the future use of this area.”