Work has begun to restore Edinburgh's A-listed Ross Fountain to its former glory.

After initial inspections, the cast-iron feature will be removed piece by piece this summer from West Princes Street Gardens before being repaired and returned in spring 2018.

The year-long project will include new foundations and waterworks, enabling the fountain to operate for the first time in years.

Apex Hotels founder Norman Springford is behind the move as well as plans to replace the Ross Bandstand in Princes Street Gardens.

The fountain was created by Antoine Durenne and sculpted by Jean-Baptiste Jules Klagmann.

Edinburgh gunmaker Daniel Ross brought the piece to the Scottish capital in 1862.