Work will soon start on a £5.7 million restoration project at Saughton Park in Edinburgh.

The year-long scheme will revitalise the historic park and is supported by £3.8m of National Lottery Fund funding.

Proposals for the scheme were first drawn up in 2013 and have since been developed in more detail by designers Ironside Farrar, alongside architects Sutherland Hussey Harris and Richard Shorter, in consultation with the local community.

Improvements include the restoration of the park's walled garden, the refurbishment of the winter garden and the reinstatement of an original bandstand. A new cafe and public toilet facilities will also be built as well as a viewpoint at the Water of Leith and improved play facilities.

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Further consultations are taking place on developing new cycle routes linking the park with the city centre, complimented by a £500,000 fund awarded to the Saughton Park Restoration Project by Sustrans Community Links programme. This funding will allow for upgrades to be carried out to the park's path network and off-road links in the area.

As part of plans to also use the park as a base for council administration and a wide range of activities, the old stable block and courtyard will be restored as a community venue, offices, a volunteer bothy and demonstration gardens.

A series of family events are taking place over the next few weeks ahead of the park closing for the restoration programme.

David Jamieson, Parks and Greenspace Manager, said: "The next few weeks mark a pivotal time for Saughton Park, as we prepare to commence this major programme of work, which has been under development for the last few years.

"Over this period we have had a great deal of engagement with the local community and partners, so it is fitting that we've been able to involve the public in the final few weeks before the refurbishment gets underway. We now look forward to joining together to celebrate its completion next year."

It is anticipated that the newly restored park will be fully opened by August 2018

(LM/MH)