Absentee landlord is banned from renting out his ‘Instagrammable’ home on Airbnb after neighbours complained over parties, photoshoots and even weddings held on the street

An absentee landlord has been banned from using Airbnb to rent out his property on Edinburgh‘s most ‘Instagrammable’ street – after neighbours complained over parties, photoshoots and even weddings being held on their doorsteps.

Robert Murray clashed with locals on scenic Circus Lane after they complained about guests holding parties in his two-bedroomed home.

But he continued to advertise on the platform in defiance of a notice served on him by City of Edinburgh Council last year.

The landlord even appealed to the Scottish Government in a bid to overturn the ban – as he argued short-stay commercial visits did not breach planning laws.

But a reporter ruled the notice must be enforced and agreed that Airbnb visitors had a ‘significant’ impact on the mews street, where homes are sold for £1.5million.

An appeal document on Murray’s behalf said: ‘The appellant is willing to consider a further reduction in the intensity of use, which could be achieved by, for example, increasing the minimum nightly stay requirement, or further limiting the scope of the property’s availability on the rental market.’

Robert Murray clashed with locals on scenic Circus Lane (pioctured) after they complained about guests holding parties in his two-bedroomed home

A tourist walks down Circus Lane in Edinburgh in Scottish tartan as she visits the northern capital

A woman from Hong Kong takes a snap in front of a historical-looking street in Edinburgh

A woman poses on the ‘Instagrammable street’ before posting it to social media 

A woman lies in the middle of Circus Lane, disregarding road safety, as she tries to get a good photograph in the Scottish capital

It added: ‘The appellant’s strong assertion is that the enforcement notice references matters which were not taking place when it was issued.

‘Otherwise, it is asserted that the matters in question do not constitute a breach of planning control.

‘Otherwise, and finally, it is asserted that complete cessation of all short-term letting, as demanded by the enforcement notice is excessive in terms of what is necessary to remedy the alleged breach of planning control or perceived harm to amenity.’

Neighbours told officials the high turnover of guests and visitors to 33 Circus lane were making their lives a misery.

And while they say they can endure the endless tourists trooping down the street, the noise of boozy parties has been too much for them to bear.

Mike Scott said: ‘It is widely known that Circus Lane has become something of an Instagram sensation and has a daily procession of visitors, photo-shooters and is even on the School Trip map.

‘Most permanent residents, including ourselves, are quite happy with the transient nature of these visitors and are happy to engage with respectful visitors who tend to amble down the Lane and I very much enjoy and take pride in their presence.

‘The Airbnbers are an entirely different proposition and tend to arrive in party mode laden down with supermarket-bought food and alcohol, often staying up late and partying.

The picturesque cobbled street nestles between Edinburgh’s New Town and Stockbridge, and was first used by stable workers in the 1760s

A woman wears a black dress and black boots as she poses for photos on the cobbles

A woman looks into the distance as she is dressed for winter on the Scottish city street

In 2018, Edinburgh City Council released the report Managing Our Festival City following an increase in visitors (pictured on Circus Lane)

‘Given the extremely close nature of a mews lane this noise permeates every neighbouring property and efforts to involve the police and council at the time of disturbance have unfortunately proven futile over the years.’

The picturesque cobbled street nestles between Edinburgh’s New Town and Stockbridge, and was first used by stable workers in the 1760s.

Reporter Martin H Seddon ruled: ‘The council’s assessment of the use of the property, based upon the Airbnb listing indicated a significant intensity of use, with three-night minimum stays and 276 reviews.

‘That reflects a significant amount of change-overs in a year and demonstrates an intensity of use by short term let visitors that would have a much greater impact on the amenity of neighbours than would be generated by normal domestic use.’

He added: ‘I conclude that the character and intensity of the use of the property for short term let accommodation entails a significant variation from normal residential activity.’

In 2018, Edinburgh City Council released the report Managing Our Festival City following an increase in visitors.

It said: ‘Pavement crowding is a very real concern for residents and visitors in the city centre, during the summer (and winter) festival periods. 

‘Overcrowding at certain pinch-points can lead to pedestrians stepping onto the road and into bus lanes.’

In response, the council created a 16-point scorecard system to monitor the most overcrowded parts of the city.