UNESCO World Heritage Day
18th April
The 18th April is designated UNESCO World Heritage Day. Projects, events and exhibitions take place annually all over the world to raise awareness of World Heritage sites. Activities are often themed, and in past years these have included agriculture, science, industry, and religious places.
Edinburgh Old & New Towns were jointly awarded World Heritage Site status in 1995. The Edinburgh site contains around 4,500 buildings, with a high proportion of listed buildings and scheduled monuments.
The UNESCO short description of the site is: ‘Edinburgh has been the Scottish capital since the 15th century. It has two distinct areas: the Old Town, dominated by a medieval fortress; and the neoclassical New Town, whose development from the 18th century onwards had a far-reaching influence on European urban planning. The harmonious juxtaposition of these two contrasting historic areas, each with many important buildings, is what gives the city its unique character.’
UNESCO World Heritage Convention: whc.unesco.org
Edinburgh World Heritage Site Management Plan
The Edinburgh Old and New Towns World Heritage Site is an internationally important area and it is therefore essential that it is managed to ensure that it is protected for future generations. The management of the World Heritage Site is guided by a Management Plan.
The Management Plan provides a framework for the conservation of cultural heritage within the World Heritage Site. The plan identifies what is significant about the site, recognises challenges and threats, and sets out policies to preserve and enhance the site. The plan encompasses preservation and enhancement of the architectural and archaeological landscape, natural assets and their setting. It seeks to enhance understanding of the site, its interpretation and use as an educational resource, and supports the local community in its use of the site. The plan is supported by the many national and local statutory and non-statutory policies already in place, providing for the protection and future development of the site.
Download the management plan and associated reports: www.edinburgh.gov.uk/downloads/1221/conservation-buildings_and_areas
Shadows of our AncestorsShadows of our Ancestors illustrates the international Edinburgh World HeritageEdinburgh World Heritage is a charity with
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