Tron Kirk focus of heritage plan

ONE of Edinburgh's most historic buildings would be transformed into a major visitor attraction celebrating Scotland's world heritage sites under a vision to secure its future.

The A-listed Tron Kirk on the Royal Mile has been closed to the public for six years and earlier bids to turn it into an exhibition space, heritage centre, conference venue and a restaurant or cafe have failed to materialise.

However, now the charity responsible for protecting Edinburgh's world heritage sites has launched talks with the city council, which owns the 17th century building, about taking it over.

Edinburgh World Heritage (EWH) wants it to celebrate the Capital's Old Town and New Town world heritage sites - as well as the other four Scottish sites on Unesco's heritage register.

Bosses at the organisation are working on a business plan for the project, which could see a cafe or restaurant attached to the rear of the building on Hunter Square in order to bring in revenue to maintain the former church, which houses the remains of the oldest surviving street in the Capital.