Duncan Place in Leith is to reopen as a community resource after receiving £1.2m funding.

The building will be refurbished before it is transferred to the newly registered charity, Duncan Place.

The community led organisation aims to have the space re-opened by 2020, in time to celebrate Duncan Places centenary.

The vision for Duncan Place is to create a thriving community hub providing affordable studios and offices for charitable organisations, support services and social enterprises.

It will also hold community space for events, classes and workshops with a focus on arts, health, education, wellbeing and reducing inequality in Leith.

The historic building was saved from demolition by the community in 2014, and since then the trustees of Duncan Place have been working to secure the building and return it to the community.

The City of Edinburgh Council and the group worked together to raise almost £1.5m funding to refurbish the space, and with this new funding from the Scottish Government work will now begin.

Chairperson of Duncan Place, Carol Leslie, said "This is a such a boost for the folks in Leith.

"It was a busy, lively centre and a great resource for everyone who used it before its closure.

"When it re-opens the centre will be a fitted out with up-to-date facilities, have disabled and lift access and be an energy efficient building.

"Duncan Place will be a fantastic space for groups, clubs and classes to meet and come together."