Residents in Edinburgh are being invited to submit their views over proposals to enhance West Princes Street Gardens.

Over the next 12 weeks, the public will specifically be asked to provide feedback on what the gardens mean to them, proposed upgrades to infrastructure and a new Arms Length External Organisation to look after the area.

So far, work has been carried out at the historic Ross Fountain and refurbishment of the Gardener's Cottage following donations raised by the charitable Ross Development Trust.

Overall, plans by the council and Ross Development Trust aims to enhance the experience of users while ensuring the gardens remain a beautiful and accessible asset under public ownership.

The public are now invited to take part in an online consultation opened today, 26 June, with the first drop-in session set to take place at the Assembly Rooms on George Street from 2pm - 7pm on Wednesday, 18 July.

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Cllr Donald Wilson said: "Sitting in the heart of the city, between the Old and New Towns under Edinburgh Castle, West Princes Gardens are a central part of civic life in the city. The gardens are an important public asset for all of Edinburgh to experience and it will remain in public ownership and under Council control, available for everybody to enjoy.

"If approved the ALEO would be established to ensure this remains the case, while allowing the flexibility for the Ross Development Trust and other important stakeholders to raise the required investment for the future pavilion and other key areas of infrastructure.

"I want to know how these plans sit with the citizens of Edinburgh, what they see as priorities for them and their Gardens and we want people to play a part in this vision."

David Ellis, Managing Director of The Ross Development Trust, said: "This consultation period allows us a great opportunity to provide people with more detailed information about our work in West Princes St Gardens. Receiving feedback from the public will be extremely beneficial to the project as we continue to move forward."

To take part in the online consultation, visit here.

(LM/MH)