UK: Plans for a floating boutique hotel in Edinburgh, The MV Fingal, have been given the go ahead by councillors.
The former lighthouse vessel will be based at Alexandra Dock in the Port of Leith. It will feature 23 bedrooms,a ballroom, a restaurant and bars. The hotel will be created by the company that operates the Royal Yacht Britannia visitor attraction in Leith.
A late night licence plea was rejected after residents raised concerns over noise. The Edinburgh licensing board considered an application for the venue to open until 03:00, but a midnight closure from Monday to Thursday and 01:00 from Friday to Sunday was agreed. Drinking on outside decking will be halted at 22:00 every day.
Councillor Cathy Fullerton spoke out in favour of the proposals and measures put in place to prevent noise from disturbing neighbours. She said: “I was very impressed with the refurbishment, the ship and the management that will be put in place to alleviate any concerns with residents.”
Frances Ennis, of the Royal Yacht Britannia, said: “From a purely selfish point of view, we don’t want to bother those who are staying on the Fingal with noise – as well as the local neighbours.”
