The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has provided a £6.1 million grant towards regenerating two historical parks in Edinburgh.

Both Saughton Park and Hermitage Park are to undergo significant restoration works.

Welcoming the news, Councillor Ellen Morton said: "We are delighted with this news. The money from HLF will pay for around three-quarters of the cost of the project, with the council contributing £280,000 directly and the remaining money coming from other funders such as the War Memorial Trust.

"Following on from the completion of the town centre regeneration project last year, which has given the town a real boost, this is yet more good news."

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Saughton Park will receive nearly £3.8m towards its restoration project.

Features include reinstatment of the bandstand, restoring the Walled Garden and introducing a new plaza/café for outdoor markets and events.

At Hermitage Park, over £2.3m will be put towards a new pavilion, with restoration works being carried out to the A-listed war memorial, Japanese garden and Victorian wishing well.

A new multi-use sports facility will also be introduced while a children's play area will be moved and upgraded.

Other various heritage features will be included for both parks as part of the projects.

Head of HLF in Scotland, Lucy Casot, said: "Parks, and the historic features in them, are a wonderful legacy from our ancestors.

"Using funds raised through the National Lottery, HLF is able to protect and transform these precious places helping make a difference to the quality of life for millions of Scots."

(LM/MH)