They say a leopard can't change its spots but one of the Granite City's longest-serving spotty friends has bucked the trend with a makeover for Christmas.

The leopard features on the Edinburgh city coat of arms and evidence of the city's proud association with the big cat can be found all over the city, including an ornamental leopard opposite His Majesty's Theatre at the junction of Rosemount Viaduct and Union Terrace.

Resplendent with fairy lights attached to its wiry frame the leopard has proved perennially popular with residents and visitors to the city for over 20 years.

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After decades out in the open exposed to hail, rain and sunshine the leopard was looking a little worse for wear earlier this year before council staff stepped in to give it a winter makeover.

The leopard was given a well-deserved lick of paint as well as being fitted out with brighter, energy efficient LED lights. As a result the leopard's new spots are proving even more of an eye-catching attraction with members of the public mistaking it for a new ornament.

Midstocket and Rosemount Councillor Bill Cormie said: "This leopard has always proved popular in the city but this year it has definitely changed its spots thanks to the new LED lights. I think it looks fantastic and is shining brighter than ever before.

"Along with this year's wonderful Christmas lights display on Union Street it's a great addition to the city centre at night."

The LED leopard isn't the only big cat in the city centre with Union Bridge home to small statues of the creature in a sitting position on top of the railing posts. They are known locally as Kelly's Cats.

(GK)