The opening of a new £41m secondary school in Edinburgh has been delayed.

Pupils were due to move into the replacement Portobello High in the east of the city in August but are now likely to have to wait until January 2017.

A letter sent out to parents on Tuesday said contractors Balfour Beatty were struggling to secure a drainage connection.

Head teacher Ruth McKay wrote: "Work is ongoing to resolve the issue, however in the meantime we are planning on the basis that we will move into the new school in January 2017."

She said the later entry date would give the school time to arrange orientation visits and enable incoming S1 students to settle into life at the secondary before the transition.

Ms McKay said although the delay was disappointing, work was progressing well at the Portobello Park site.

Should the issue be resolved earlier, the pupils will move in to the school following the October holidays.

A Scottish Water spokesman said: "Scottish Water can confirm that a sewer connection has always been available.

"Some network upgrades are required first and the contractor has confirmed that these upgrades will be undertaken.

"As such a sewer connection will be made available in advance. This therefore will in no way impact on the school opening programme."

Construction of the new school, which will replace the ageing 1960s building on Duddingston Road, was delayed for six years in a wrangle over whether or not it should be built on the park.

Edinburgh City Council had to ask government ministers to pass a bill allowing them to use the common good land for educational purposes.

The new complex will have room to accommodate 1400 pupils. It will have a swimming pool and two all-weather pitches, which will be available for public use.