Apr 19, 2007

High rents are forcing us to quit say tradersBy Hazel MollisonEdinburghNews.Scotsman.com

Royal Mile traders have warned that specialist shops are being squeezed out by high rents, jeopardising the street’s unique character.

Fourteen shops and businesses are up for rent or sale, with small traders who have been there for decades deciding to call it a day.

Shopkeepers and community leaders say the Royal Mile is in danger of becoming swamped with “tartan tat” stores, coffee and pub chains and charity shops. Geraldine’s Teddy Bear and Dolls Hospital became the latest shop to put up a “to let” sign this week.

The business moved to the Canongate three years ago, after it had been trading for 18 years in Dundas Street.

Golden Gifts and Books and Clarinda’s Tearoom also both recently put their premises up for rent, after more than 30 years on the Royal Mile.Thom McCarthy, manager of Golden Gifts, who is a committee member of the Old Town Business Association, said high rents and parking restrictions meant many shopkeepers were struggling.

He said: “If you see the number of ‘to let’ signs on the High Street, it’s a barometer for the commercial environment. People are selling up and moving on. I have to pay