Barge unveiled as floating office

Barge 1502 floats on the Water of Leith

A floating office which offers a rates-free tenancy is to be officially launched on an Edinburgh river.

Barge 1502, a contemporary floating boat in the Outer Basin of the Water of Leith, is to be opened on Thursday by Scottish entrepreneur Sir Tom Farmer.

Omnia, the major international creative consultancy which operates in London, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has won the race to be the barge's first tenant.

The company will initially move in 10 staff which will double by next year.

The barge is owned by development company Water of Leith 2000.

It is very fitting that we have been able to attract such a creative and successful client for such a creative and innovative project Ron Kitchin Water of Leith 2000

Colin Campbell, Omnia's UK chief executive, said: "The unique profile and location of Barge 1502 is well-suited to the creative, innovative and professional image that Omnia portrays.

"We are a forward-thinking company and the barge concept is illustrative of that mindset."

Ron Kitchin, managing director of Water of Leith 2000, said: "It is very fitting that we have been able to attract such a creative and successful client for such a creative and innovative project.

"This adds further momentum to Leith's progress towards being an important Scottish hub for the creative industries.

"We are pleased to be able to continue to play our part in ensuring the sustainable regeneration of Leith."

The barge was rescued from dereliction by Water of Leith 2000 last year.

During its working life with the Admiralty, it travelled as far as the Falkland Islands.

To bring it to Leith, it had to be towed round the north of Scotland and eventually sunk to be eased under the road bridge into the basin.

The barge, which has internet and phones, will be officially opened at 1830 GMT.