Edinburgh rejects Netflix’s One Day plaque on historic Grassmarket, calling it an ‘advert’

The City of Edinburgh Council has refused permission for Netflix to install a plaque at the location of Emma and Dex’s famous kiss scene from their TV adaptation of One Day.

The proposed red plastic plaque has been rejected as it would be an “inappropriate and low quality addition”.

The plaque’s application received 38 objections from local residents and heritage organisation.

The proposed plaque was to be a circular, red plaque measuring 345mm in diameter and 14mm in thickness, it would be fixed to the stone wall using dowels.

Silke Schneider, speaking on behalf of Edinburgh World Heritage, said: “The proposed plaque has nothing to do with the place or the city; it commemorates no historic or special person or event connected to the city of Edinburgh. It’s purpose appears to be to mainly promoting or advertising Netflix.

John Rankin of Lister Housing Co-operative Ltd said: “This proposed plaque would negatively affect the appearance of the area, and will not be in keeping with the surroundings.

“There are many films and programmes filmed in this area, and it would not seem proportionate to set a precedent whereby those making such films and programmes in future might be given an expectation that an application for a plaque such as this would be approved in relation to their project.”.

The Old Town Association called the application an “egregious example of commercialising a public space”, saying that it did not meet the criteria for the commission of a commemorative plaque.

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The association continues: “If a plaque went up for every film shot in Edinburgh, the listed buildings in the city centre would be smothered in them!

“The Vennel is a popular spot for visitors because of the view of the Castle; Netflix should not be allowed to photobomb people’s selfies.”

One Day is a Netflix TV series adapted from the original 2009 novel of the same name by David Nicholls. Dexter and Emma, the main characters in the series, meet at university in Edinburgh and plan to meet in the city every year on July 15, the day of their graduations and the first night they spent together before going their separate ways in life, the story follows their complex and often tormenting relationship over the next 20 years.

The plaque was installed at the site on July 15 this year to mark the One Day date, but the plans submitted to the council on October 3rd were to make it permanent.

The Vennel is a popular tourist attraction as it provides incredible views and photograph opportunities of Edinburgh Castle. It is also an important and much loved walking route for locals getting around the city, joining Grassmarket with Heriot Place and Kier Street. It is a favourite of award-winning Rebus author Ian Rankin, who regularly posts photos of the steps on social media.