How's this for a bright idea? A nice new view... of a lamppost

IT'S one of the most iconic views of the Capital, but until recently no one had noticed it was being spoiled by a tatty old lamppost.

So when workmen replaced the offending lighting column on Calton Hill earlier this week with a new, shinier model, it led to cries that the panorama had been ruined.

Now council bosses have agreed to move the lamppost to a less prominent location so tourists and locals alike can enjoy uninterrupted views across the city for the first time.

A council spokesman said the problem had arisen when the older lamppost was replaced with a more visible one. He said: "We recently ordered the replacement of ageing lampposts on Calton Hill to help keep the area safe at night.

"There has always been a lamppost in the position in question but this one stands out more because it is new. Obviously we don't envisage a lamppost becoming part of Edinburgh's iconic cityscape so we're going to have it moved."

The controversial lamppost had been put up in line with the view looking west along Princes Street.

Professional photographer Colin Prior said it had ruined one of the Capital's most stunning vistas.

He said: "I don't think it added anything of value to the view. It had been put there without any consideration for aesthetic.

"I have taken pictures from there many times. The view from Calton Hill is one that many film cameraman take to sum up the city of Edinburgh.

"It was a rather insensitive place to put a lamppost but it's a matter for the council and it's entirely their decision. Clearly it has just been an oversight."

The latest phase of improvements at Calton Hill were given the go-ahead in February. Councillors agreed to grant permission for the scheme, which has been established as part of a bid to spruce up the historic landmark.

The scheme includes repairs to paths, railings and lighting, as well as garden planting, and aims to improve the attractiveness and accessibility of the area.

Funding for the project, which is due for completion next month, is coming from Edinburgh City Council, Edinburgh World Heritage Trust and Scottish Natural Heritage.

The move came after the Astronomer Royal for Scotland hit out at the council for failing to fix Calton Hill's 150-year-old timepiece that was the forerunner to the One o'Clock Gun.

The 762kg time ball – once the only reliable way of telling the exact time in Edinburgh – has been out of action since it was damaged in storms last March.

Last month, Historic Scotland said views of Edinburgh's historic skyline from Calton Hill are under threat from the multi-billion pound regeneration of Leith Docks.