A new VCR at EDI is long overdue.
I worked there for 8 years up until 1997 and the location of the Tower was always a problem. For a long time there was a staff member (ATSA not ATCO) sitting in the little caravan by Ingliston watching what went on for the Tower controllers. That was eventually replaced in about 1995 (?) with a Surface Movement Radar (SMR).
That in itself was a necessity but it was done to cut down on staff numbers not to improve visibility of the runway.
I had a 737 abort take off and disappear from view behind the terminal. I could see it on the SMR but not from the tower. Only from the lack of smoke could I tell that there was no fire, but I could see nothing else. The crew were very busy and communications were limited because of this. Not an ideal situation.
EDI needs a new VCR now, not in 2004. It is a safety matter.