Heritage site status under review

Caltongate is a controversial development in Edinburgh's Old Town

Inspectors are to descend on the capital next week as part of the review into Edinburgh's World Heritage Status.

The city has already been warned it is at risk of losing its prestigious title if it does not do more to protect its historic character.

Dr Mechtild Rossler, Unesco head of Europe and North America, arrives with an International Council on Monuments and Sites delegate on Wednesday.

Historic Scotland has until February to reply to the report.

Delegates are to meet at Seville's 2009 Unesco summit in the summer to discuss the findings.

Unesco, which granted Edinburgh's World Heritage status in 1995, is concerned about four of the major developments currently under way in the capital.

They are the Caltongate development in the old town, the transformation of Leith waterfront, the redevelopment of the St James shopping centre and the rebuilding of the Cowgate fire.

Edinburgh City Council said it was relaxed about the scrutiny. It said planning proposals consider the impact any development will have on the cities heritage and they do everything they can to preserve the capital's unique historical character.

The delegates will spend several days in Edinburgh.