Two high rises in the shadow of Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh have been given a dramatic 'green' makeover.

After about two years of renovation work, Lochview Court and Holyrood Court in Dumbiedykes have been transformed from their former grey appearance and now boast eye-catching cladding in green and white finishes.

These external insulation improvements are also more environmentally friendly as, along with the double glazed windows, they will help keep heating costs down and reduce the need for future repairs to the high rises.

After detailed consultation on colour schemes and designs, work began in December 2006 with the support of the buildings' tenants and homeowners.

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Councillor Paul Edie, Housing Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: "These buildings have been given a fabulous makeover, making them 'greener' not just in appearance but also because the insulation panels will keep heating costs down and reduce the need for future repairs.

"I would like to pay tribute to the hard work of the Council's Housing Property Services team in delivering this project so expertly, and also to say a big thank you to all the residents for their patience and support while all the work was going on."

Liz Walker, a spokeswoman for the blocks, said residents were thrilled with the revamp: "It is looking absolutely beautiful and I'm sure every resident is very happy with how the buildings look now. It's been a long time coming but the workforce have done an excellent job."

Costing approximately £3m, the project was designed and project-managed by the Council's Housing Property Services team with work by contractor Concrete Repairs Ltd.

The Council provided the majority of the funding, with British Gas funding part of the insulation costs. The makeover for the two buildings also included fitting new roof coverings, redecorating stairwells and walkways and installing new handrails and decking to balconies.

(GK/JM)