Netflix’s bid to install a plaque commemorating the hit TV series “One Day” at a historic Edinburgh landmark has sparked controversy. The streaming service wants to place a red plaque with a quote from the show at The Vennel, where key scenes featuring lead characters Emma and Dexter were filmed.
The Cockburn Association, a heritage watchdog, has condemned Netflix’s proposal, arguing that it is simply a marketing ploy. The director, Terry Levinthal, believes that the series, based on the book by David Nicholls, does not warrant such commemoration as it has little to do with the city of Edinburgh.
The proposed plaque, which was temporarily fitted on St Swithin’s Day this year, features a quote from the show and is intended to be placed at the bottom of the stairs in The Vennel. However, Levinthal raised concerns about the impact of film tourism on the city, citing examples from other destinations where tourist behavior had negative consequences.
Despite the controversy, Netflix has declined to comment on the matter. The debate over the plaque highlights the intersection of film, tourism, and heritage preservation in popular destinations like Edinburgh.
