Proposal for year-round fairy lights to bring customers to West End

A permanent fixture of ‘fairy lights’ has been suggested to brighten up Edinburgh’s West End and draw in customers in the wake of the lockdown-induced slump.

The installation has been floated by the Business Improvement District (BID) Edinburgh’s West End, and if approved will be added to William Street around November.

The plan is currently still at consultation stage with local residents and businesses, and will also need to obtain planning permission and approval from Edinburgh World Heritage and from the owners of buildings the lights will be affixed to.

Edinburgh’s West End is one of three BIDs in the city, funded by a levy on local businesses.

The BID said the group hopes the lights may bring business to the area, as many local shops and food outlets are struggling with the after-effects of the lockdown.

A major issue for many outlets is their reliance on the trade of office workers, who are still working from home.

A spokesperson said: “The idea is to raise the profile of the West End as a nice place to visit. A lot of businesses in the area are small independents, so they are among those suffering the most from the pandemic. Many rely on office footfall which is not likely to return any time soon.”

The reaction to the idea from locals has been mixed, and many have voiced concerns about it. Andrew Fowler, who has operated Fox & Co caterers on William Street for 16 years, said: “I don’t think the lights would really bring anybody to that part of town. It’s a small street and it wouldn’t be massively impressive, so it wouldn’t be something I would vote for."

He added: “The lights are only going to be particularly relevant after it gets dark, but apart from two pubs there won’t be anything open at night, so I don’t really see the mileage in the idea.

"I love the community side of this but I’m just not sure this is the right thing. I don’t mean to be negative about it but that’s just how I feel.”

Resident Rachel Thomson, who has lived on the street for three years, said: "I think if we have lights it will be beautiful, but I’d much rather save the businesses first.

"This might work to do that, but are people really going to travel to the West End to see the lights? It’s a nice idea, but I’m not sure it’s special enough to bring people here to spend money.”

John Downie of the Union Gallery on Drumsheugh Place said he is concerned that the measure would not bring any benefit to businesses outside of William Street, but would be paid for in part by them.

“I think it’s a waste of money, it’s a ridiculous idea,” he said.

In response to concerns from residents and businesses, the BID spokesperson said the group will work with concerned parties to see if the installation is wanted, and if approved to reduce any negative impact.

They said: “If the project was to get approval we would put out another consultation about timings and settings of the lights, and they can also be moved to reduce glare.

"The BID will look to work with local residents to make sure the lights are not too intrusive.”

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