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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to think the buildings in Edinburgh are never cleaned?

67 replies

Priaa · 06/04/2023 07:57

Recently went to Edinburgh and was struck by how much of the architecture is literally blackened with grime. I thought the same last time I was there too. Why don't the govt prioritise maintaining the buildings and why has it been this way for so long?

OP posts:
LittleRedYarny · 06/04/2023 07:59

Erm…? because most of the buildings are privately owned so why would it be the government’s responsibility?

Even if it was the government’s responsibility the money would be better spent elsewhere.

EVHead · 06/04/2023 08:04

I’d much rather see money go into sorting out the disgrace that is Princes Street. So many empty shops and cheap rubbish shops.

Varren · 06/04/2023 08:06

i like in edinburgh and I would rather my council tax went on essential services rather than making buildings pretty for tourists. Also much of the old town would crumble if hit with a power washer!

Blueandpinklampshades · 06/04/2023 08:07

It's because of the stone, cleaning it would damage the buildings.
They cleaned a lot of them in the centre in the seventies and it resulted in crumbling and an acceleration of the weathering and erosion.
The oils from the 'grime' actually protect the stone (so a book told me).
I live in a traditional Edinburgh tennament near a busy road, we hardly ever have to do any repointing work or repairs to the stone, the roofer/stone mason told me it's because it has a nice oily waterproof coating!

AgnesX · 06/04/2023 08:08

Varren · 06/04/2023 08:06

i like in edinburgh and I would rather my council tax went on essential services rather than making buildings pretty for tourists. Also much of the old town would crumble if hit with a power washer!

ECC definitely have other priorities and in common with other big cities across the UK...not enough money to go round.

Badbudgeter · 06/04/2023 08:09

That’s ancient grime. Some of it will be hundreds of years old and probably helping hold the building together.

Original poster
Priaa · 06/04/2023 08:09

It's a shame because soot will obviously build up on buildings, but why is it so noticeable in Edinburgh? You would never see major buildings in London, or architecture in say, Bath or Cambridge etc, left like that for decades.

OP posts:
Mrsjayy · 06/04/2023 08:10

As a pp said some of the buildings would crumble with power washing can you imagine., anyway grime and moss adds to the charm of historical towns and cities!

ForTheSakeOfThePenguin · 06/04/2023 08:11

Our cathedral is soo well cleaned and maintained that you would not be blamed for believing it was built yesterday despite being there for several centuries. Keeping it like that costs a stupid amount of money which thankfully is paid through funding and entry fees rather than our taxes.

Sadly, this means that locals cannot drop by for a quick moment of reflection or to light a candle without paying the exorbitant entry fee or going through the hassle of getting an entry card a distance away. But who cares about the locals? the building looks nice and the blooming tourists are happy!

Blueandpinklampshades · 06/04/2023 08:11

Priaa · 06/04/2023 08:09

It's a shame because soot will obviously build up on buildings, but why is it so noticeable in Edinburgh? You would never see major buildings in London, or architecture in say, Bath or Cambridge etc, left like that for decades.

I think it's just the type of stone used for the old buildings in Edinburgh. To be honest, I think at this point the whole place would look very strange if everything wasn't almost black. Adds to the Gothic charm.

Original poster
Priaa · 06/04/2023 08:12

"It's because of the stone, cleaning it would damage the buildings.
They cleaned a lot of them in the centre in the seventies and it resulted in crumbling and an acceleration of the weathering and erosion. "

Oh I see. But why would the buildings in Edinburgh be different to anywhere else?

OP posts:
Christmascracker0 · 06/04/2023 08:13

You could have googled this.

Kendodd · 06/04/2023 08:17

Just imagine we're breathing all that in as well.
I own a building on a main road, the windows get so filthy because of the pollution. I think we should focus on cleaning that up then windows, buildings and our children's lungs won't get so dirty in the first place.

Original poster
Priaa · 06/04/2023 08:18

"You could have googled this."

Not really. Why are buildings in other cities with an industrial history - eg. Liverpool or Manchester cleaned regularly and they don't crumble? Why is Edinburgh different?

OP posts:
Nix32 · 06/04/2023 08:27

Read the link I posted - explains it all.

MrsHughesPinny · 06/04/2023 08:28

The dark and gothic vibe from the buildings is one of my absolute favourite things about Edinburgh! It’s perfect, don’t touch it! 🙏

Original poster
Priaa · 06/04/2023 08:31

Thanks Nix32. I did read your link. But they do clean similar architecture everywhere else. That's who I was wondering.

OP posts:
Original poster
Priaa · 06/04/2023 08:31

*why I was wondering.

OP posts:
TooExtraImmatureCheddar · 06/04/2023 08:33

Is it because sandstone is more friable than other building stone?

Varren · 06/04/2023 08:39

Ha yes! The potholes and road works for one! Next the tourists will be looking for an escalator to the castle.. lavender scented bins.. waxed cobbles.. 😝. Sorry op I do mean to be lighthearted..

WeRateSquirrels · 06/04/2023 08:40

Priaa · 06/04/2023 08:09

It's a shame because soot will obviously build up on buildings, but why is it so noticeable in Edinburgh? You would never see major buildings in London, or architecture in say, Bath or Cambridge etc, left like that for decades.

When they clean building in Bath you can see loads of sand in the gutter that has come off the buildings. It is quite damaging.

Maunderingdrunkenly · 06/04/2023 08:42

It’s because the pollution builds up a crust on the stone and to clean it is the equivalent of stripping off your tooth enamel with a power washer, you’re just left with the soft underneath.

sandstone which Edinburgh largely is is very porous so gets this easily soiled (see West Yorkshire, very similar) and different building stones are used in diff locations so harder stone can be more easily cleaned

weebarra · 06/04/2023 08:44

Sandstone

Original poster
Priaa · 06/04/2023 08:48

So it's because it's a certain type of sandstone? I suppose there's nothing that can be done then.

OP posts: