Anti-terror barriers are to be removed from the Royal Mile at Lawnmarket, Edinburgh.
The barriers have been in situ since 2017 in response to vehicle attacks on London Bridge, Westminster and New Orleans.
As part of the Lawnmarket road improvements project, new retractable bollards will be installed in phase four which is expected to be completed between May and July this year.
Edinburgh Council have had an agreement since 2017 with the National Vehicle Threat Mitigation Unit (NVTMU) to use the National Barrier Asset until 2027.
However under the current plan of works this means there will be no anti-terror measures in place for up to five months at the tourist hotspot.
Councillor Finlay McFarlance posted on social media on December 4, 2024 his delight to say ‘goodbye to the ugly barriers on the Lawnmarket’.
He wrote: “Goodbye ugly barriers on the Lawnmarket!
“Very happy to see officers have been able to accommodate my request to build in proper antiterrorism barriers to replace the defunct NBA as part of the project to renew the setted street.”
Cllr Val Walker, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “These barriers were installed as an emergency measure almost 10 years ago. They are used during major events and busy periods to keep the city safe, but we are now delivering a permanent solution as part of the wider Lawnmarket improvement project.
“In agreement with the Police and our partners, we’re taking the opportunity during the quieter months to replace the infrastructure. The new system will be more in keeping with the World Heritage area and additional, temporary, security arrangements will be put in place if and when required.”
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