Dear Spurtle
As every reader knows, Duddingston House Properties' controversial plans to transform the old Royal High School into a 'world class six-star hotel' are subject to the approval of the Development Management Sub-committee of Edinburgh Council's Planning Committee.
And even if they get the green light, the proposal will be called in by the Scottish Government. So it's far from being a done deal.
Or is it?
A press release issued on 2 September by Rosewood Hotels and Resorts – prospective managers of the new hotel – announces that Rosewood Edinburgh 'will open in 2018 as Rosewood's fourth property in Europe.
'The hotel will be housed in the former Royal High School, a historic, landmark building on Calton Hill in the center [sic] of the Scottish capital'.
Jumping the gun? Or do Rosewood Hotels and Resorts know something the rest of us don't?
Judge for yourself here, where you can also read a gushing eulogy on Rosewood from co-developer David Orr of the Urbanist Group.
David Jackson-Young
(India Street)
[Whether you're for or against the old Royal High School proposals, today is your last chance to comment. For advice on making material points, see our coverage here.—Ed.]