In December in 1995 the city centre of Edinburgh was inscribed on the UNESCO (United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) List of World Heritage Sites. This gives international recognition that Edinburgh's medieval Old Town and the Georgian New Town are "of exceptional historical and cultural interest" and of the same world status as the Taj Mahal and the pyramids of Egypt.
Of the 13 other World Heritage Sites in the United Kingdom. St Kilda is the only other Scottish Site and Bath the only other urban centre.
UNESCO's formal brief description of the Edinburgh World Heritage Site is as follows:
	"Edinburgh, capital of Scotland since the 15th century, presents the dual face of an old city dominated by a medieval fortress and a new neo-classical city whose development from the 18th century onwards exerted a far-reaching influence on European urban planning. The harmonious juxtaposition of these two highly contrasting historic areas, each containing many buildings of great significance, is what gives the city its unique character"
Inscription as a World Heritage Site has no immediate consequences in terms of statutory protection. However, World Heritage Status highlights the outstanding international importance of the site. The Local Authority will, therefore, regard the World Heritage Status of the Site as a material consideration when considering applications for planning permission and listed building consent.
The following Statement of Intent was signed by The City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh New Town Conservation Committee, Edinburgh Old Town Renewal Trust, Historic Scotland and Lothian and Edinburgh Enterprise Limited witnessed by Lord James Douglas-Hamilton MP, Minister of State at the Scottish Office.

Statement of Intent
Edinburgh Old and New Town World Heritage Site
The historic, architectural and cultural importance of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh has been recognised by their Inscription as a World Heritage Site. In recognition of this,
We the signatories of this document state our intent to:
	Work together to conserve and enhance the Old and New Town of Edinburgh:
	Ensure that our policies and actions in respect of the Old and New Towns safeguard their outstanding universal value.