A prestigious 103-bedroom hotel is being planned for the former headquarters of Scottish Life in Edinburgh.
A planning application has been made to the City of Edinburgh council for the site on the west side of St Andrew Square by Royal London, the mutual life and pensions company that bought Scottish Life 11 years ago. Situated opposite Harvey Nichols, the eight-storey building has stood empty for three years.
An operator has not been confirmed for the potential hotel, but the council is believed to be keen to attract a high quality property following the entry into the city by many budget groups.
Travelodge is currently developing its 12th hotel in the city above TopShop on Princes Street, German budget group Motel One is planning two hotels, on Cockburn Street and Princes Street, and Premier Inn is also working on a site in Princes Street.
The last prominent hotel opening in Edinburgh was the five-AA-star, 136-bedroom Missoni, developed two years ago as a joint venture between Rezidor and the Italian fashion house.
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By Janet Harmer
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