A five-month-old kitten inside a knotted pillowcase was dumped in a communal bin in Edinburgh.

Two students rescued the animal after hearing her cries while walking past the bin on Marchmont Road on Wednesday.

Scottish SPCA officers are now looking after the cat - nicknamed Echo - at the rescue and rehoming centre in Dumbarton.

Animal rescue officer Fiona Thorburn said: "Echo is extremely vocal, which looks to have saved her life.

"Thankfully, it doesn't appear that the she was in the bin for very long as the pillowcase wasn't soiled, but it must have been very traumatic.

"If she hadn't been discovered then she would have died a slow and painful death."

She added: "Echo is doing great despite her ordeal and is very active so doesn't seem too affected.

"This is not only an unusually cruel incident but it is also an offence. We are now looking to trace whoever is responsible and ask that anyone with information to get in touch."

Anyone with information is being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.