A FORMER Yale University academic leader has criticised revised plans to turn the disused old Royal High School in the Scottish capital into a hotel.

The views of Robert Stern, Dean and Professor at Yale School of Architecture between 1998 and 2016 who is also an author and internationally recognised practising architect, were contributed at a public meeting in Edinburgh set up by the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland, who are among heritage groups concerned over the hotel conversion plans for Thomas Hamilton's Neo-Classical landmark.

Developers Duddingston House Properties and Urbanist Group submitted a scaled back plan with reduced number of rooms in November after the £75 million project was rejected by Edinburgh City Council.

Professor Stern, Dean between said: "Thomas Hamilton's Royal High School is a masterful composition of great architectural importance, both in Scotland and around the world.

"That it might be compromised by proposed plans to convert it into a hotel, with the addition of guest-room wings, is unfortunate to say the least.

"The compromises to Thomas Hamilton's Neo-Classical landmark that this conversion would entail seem far too high a price to pay for sacrificing a building that has for almost two centuries been a key player on Calton Hill, the Acropolis of Scotland's Athens."

David Orr, chair of Urbanist Group, said at the relaunch of the plan that the "design combines the sensitive, fully-funded restoration of an architectural masterpiece, currently at risk, with the creation of a world-class place for people from around the globe to experience the best of Scotland".

"By creating over 250 jobs in the hotel alone we are combining cultural and social benefits with direct economic and career opportunities for local people."

An alternative plan to turn the site into a new home for St Mary’s Music School that would feature a concert arena and classroom space for young musicians has also been lodged.

That Royal High School Preservation Trust plan is backed by musicians including Dame Evelyn Glennie.

Campaigners at the meeting at Central Hall on Tuesday were urging people to comment on the new application before the March 24 deadline.