A bid submitted by Edinburgh Council to purchase the Custom House property in Leith has been accepted.

In a statement, the local authority confirmed its offer for the building was accepted on Wednesday (16 July).

The Council placed a bid on the historic building, which is currently owned and used by National Museums Scotland, in June. Edinburgh Council has now said it will look at how it can work with other partners to transform the building in a hub for the local community.

Councillor Richard Lewis, Culture and Sport Convener, said: "I am delighted that the Council has been able to step forward to acquire the building. This is excellent news for the Leith community who have campaigned for more than six years to save the historic Custom House building.

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"The building and the surrounding area share a rich history, with Custom House once acting as the main site of imports in Leith. Our offer should secure the future of the building for public use, as a hub for the local community.

"Now that the Council's bid has been accepted by National Museums Scotland, we are determined to take the project forward and identify how and when we can help open the doors to a heritage centre for Leith. We are currently undertaking due diligence procedures and a report will be put to the full Council on how to take plans forward."

As National Museums Scotland currently uses the two-storey Georgian Custom House for storage, it not open to the public.

(JP/IT)