 The proposals have been criticised by commentators including the author Alexander McCall Smith and Sheila Gilmore MP who regard the modern design as incompatible with the existing older architectural styles of the Old Town and inappropriate for a UNESCO World Heritage site.The Caltongate development has also been opposed by the Cockburn Association and the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland.The site developers Artisan Real Estate Investors have stated that the completed development will be a "vibrant, exciting" place.