Victory for Edinbugh residents as Council wins landmark tribunal (Midlothian Liberal Democrats)

Midlothian Liberal Democrats <laird.ross@btinternet.com>

Victory for Edinbugh residents as Council wins landmark tribunal

February 3, 2009 6:32 PM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

The long running saga into the legal ownership of John Livingston's Tomb has finally ended in victory for the City of Edinburgh Council and local residents. The historic tomb and the garden surrounding it will now revert to being a small community park for public use.

The legal battle had raged since April 2004 when the owners of 1 Chamberlain Road registered their title which they claimed included the tomb and thereafter excluded the public from accessing the area.Mike Pringle MSP

Since then Mike Pringle, MSP for Edinburgh South, had been campaigning hard alongside local residents to have the tomb restored to public ownership.

The future of the tomb was finally assured with victory for the City of Edinburgh Council at the Lands Tribunal of Scotland. The landmark "McCoach vs. The Keepers of the Registers of Scotland and The City of Edinburgh Council" case had been ongoing for nearly two years and was the subject of three oral evidence sessions.

Mike Pringle MSP, who gave oral evidence to the tribunal, said;

"I'm delighted at the Lands Tribunal's decision.

"This is a historic victory for the Council. It was vital that the future of the tomb was secured, not just for Edinburgh's current residents but for generations to come.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who contributed so vigorously to helping to reach this right decision. The years of hard work have finally paid off.

"I look forward to seeing the tomb and garden finally being recognised as a public park again."

Notes;

Mike Pringle MSP was previously the City Councillor for the former North Morningside ward where the tomb is located. He had campaigned successfully to have the tomb and garden refurbished in 1999.