A developer wants to demolish a historic Edinburgh pub and build 21 apartments on the site.

The Longstone Inn was forced to close in July 2020 after concerns about erosion caused by the nearby Water of Leith.

Plans lodged by architecture practice Fouin & Bell and QB Wood would also see flood walls repaired with new sheet piling, raising the site level above the present flood line.

In a statement, the applicant states: “The existing site is an eyesore and at risk of further damage from future flooding events and cannot be left in its current state.

Startup hub proposed for Lighthouse

The Charles Rennie Mackintosh designed Lighthouse building in Glasgow could be reopened as a hub for start-ups working on climate technology.

Initial talks have been held between Sustainable Ventures – a climate tech incubator – and the city council over a lease for the building.

It is hoped the project would secure “private sector investment that will transform the Lighthouse into a net zero innovation hub”.

A report to councillors states that the scheme could secure the long-term future of the Lighthouse and support local supply chains.

It also suggests the A-listed building, previously home to The Herald newspaper and Scotland’s centre for architecture and design, could be reopened to tourists and school parties. Most of the property has been closed since the start of the pandemic.

CPO considered for decaying Greek Thomson gem

Glasgow City Council may issue a compulsory purchase order in an attempt to rescue one of the city’s historic gems.

A consortium is keen to open a food market and hotel in the A-listed Egyptian Halls designed by renowned architect Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson.

The upper floors of the building in Union Street have been been empty for decades and there has been concern about its future.

A potential bid for the building was not accepted by the current owner, the council understands. Now, councillors are considering a compulsory purchase order to pursue the repair and reuse of the building.

The building is owned by two companies, Union Street Developments and Union Street Properties, both run by Dundee-based businessman Derek Souter and his partners.

Some ground floor shops are currently occupied, including a phone and vape shop. The council would try to relocate them.