LONDON, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Edinburgh's famous Royal Mile, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is losing its character, with gift and souvenir shops undermining its authenticity, a new study has revealed Friday.
Research published by the charity Edinburgh World Heritage (EWH) on the authenticity of the Royal Mile reveals threats and opportunities facing the historic thoroughfare in the heart of the Old Town area of Scotland's capital city.
The area, warns the charity, is in danger of becoming a "tourist ghetto".
The Royal Mile links Edinburgh Castle with Holyrood Palace, and walking its length is a major tourist attraction for millions of people.
The research shows that the appeal of the famous succession of five separate streets is due to the historic character of its buildings, architecture, and streets.
"But that much of its local character is being lost, and that the ubiquitous gift and souvenir shops which line the Royal Mile are undermining its authenticity," warns the study.
The research highlights that historic buildings, Scottish architecture and the cobble-like set streets are seen by visitors and residents as authentic, and are at the core of what makes the Royal Mile so attractive.
"However, the Royal Mile is losing its local character. The research shows that visitors associate the area with 'being surrounded by foreigners' more than 'hearing local Scottish accents'," added the report.
It added: "The retail sector, more specifically the gift and souvenir shops, are not seen as authentic by visitors."
The study added that visitors from different countries react in different ways. Italian and Scottish visitors in particular did not find the gift shops authentic. However, Chinese visitors were more troubled by traffic congestion, inappropriate building works and new development in and around the Royal Mile as well as rubbish on the street.
Edinburgh World Heritage concluded their report with a wide-ranging series of recommendations, including calls to strengthen efforts to conserve key buildings through grants and expert support.
The charity has also back a future Transient Visitor Levy as a potential new source of funding to help repair and conserve buildings and streets requiring repair, or those damaged by climate change or other factors.
Other measures recommended include a voluntary "Made in Scotland" scheme to help support local manufacturers.
Adam Wilkinson, director of Edinburgh World Heritage said: "The findings have also confirmed what many of us have suspected: that the area risks becoming a tourist ghetto, and that the retail environment is to some extent detracting from the appeal of the Royal Mile."
