Edinburgh locals have had their say on the city's iconic Princes Street, with many lamenting it's so-called 'demise'.
In its heyday people travelled from far and wide to shop in high end establishments like Jenners, House of Fraser and Debenhams - but they are gone.
Along with many other high streets across the UK, Princes Street was hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic with some outlets opting to move to the St James Quarter.
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Edinburgh Live went to chat to locals about what could be done to bring the street out of its current rut.
Retirees, Rose Williams and Pam Raginia reminisced about the street's past, telling us: "There are so many empty shops and the standard of the shops that you see on the street is sad."
The two friends agreed: "You couldn't ask for a nicer street, it is beautiful with the castle and gardens are absolutely gorgeous but this side of the street lets it down. It is shabby due to the empty shops and it really spoils things."
They also commented about the litter and chewing gum scattered on the street, saying: "If they did some sweeping and keep it clean that would make a big improvement."
Arthur Morrison, 70, lives close to the city and believes "that there is nothing left" on the thoroughfare.
"You've got Primark and pound shops there just isn't anything here. This used to be, the shopping street in Edinburgh and in Scotland."
"I stay five miles from Edinburgh and I hate coming in here and down Princes Street" and went on to say: "They should knock it down and start again."
Charlie Douglas, 25, currently works on the once-famous street and holds the belief that "it has been devalued" because of the tourist shops and pound stretchers."
"I think there should be more interesting shops and decent ones that are not bargain shops or the tartan tat ones," he added.
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Midlothian resident, Eileen Thomson, has worked on Princes Street for many years and "has seen a lot of changes over the years" but still believes it is beautiful.
"I just think it has gotten really dirty and it could do with a good clean but that is probably because it is very busy from all of the tourists and residents going up and down it
"There could be some more decent shops but they have all gone to St James Quarter."
Council Leader Cammy Day said: “Princes Street is unique to Edinburgh and remains an important and iconic street for supporting jobs and our economy. Our vision is for Princes Street to be reborn into a much more welcoming place for people to stroll, relax and interact with a range of shops, cafes, restaurants and venues. Back in 2020, aligned with our City Centre Transformation plans, we brought in new planning guidance on the kinds of businesses occupying the street, meaning there’s a better mix of retail and non-retail.
“What’s really encouraging is that since then many developers committed to pushing forward with transformative projects in the city centre have received planning permission. These include the former Debenham’s and Jenner’s department stores which are set to become hotels, building on the success of the £150m Johnnie Walker visitor centre at the west end, with investment interest continuing to be drawn by the street’s world-renowned views to the Castle and Old Town.
“Through City Plan 2030, currently submitted to Scottish Ministers for examination, our City Centre Policy and emerging Princes Street and Waverley Valley Strategy will further support a vibrant and people-focussed city centre. As part of this, we will bring forward a new vision for the street’s public realm, which will complement the proposals for George Street and the First New Town.
“Last week’s opening of the tram line to Newhaven linking north Edinburgh with the city centre will make Princes Street better connected than ever and is a visible commitment of our plans to ensure Princes Street remains a beating heart of Scotland’s Capital for decades to come."
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