One of Edinburgh’s most recognisable Christmas attractions has begun arriving in the city centre as preparations get under way for this year’s festive celebrations.
Parts of the LNER Big Wheel were delivered to Princes Street on Sunday night ahead of its return to East Princes Street Gardens next month.
The 46-metre-high wheel will once again tower above Edinburgh’s Christmas Market, giving passengers views across the Old Town, Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat from its enclosed pods.
Its arrival marks the beginning of the build for Edinburgh’s Christmas, which opens on Saturday 14 November and runs until Sunday 3 January.
The traditional market in East Princes Street Gardens will be free to enter, with stalls selling gifts, crafts, food and drink.
Alongside the Big Wheel, the gardens will also be home to the 80-metre Around the World Starflyer, which returns as one of the market’s biggest rides.
Across the other side of Princes Street, West Princes Street Gardens will host the Festive Funfair, while the Ross Bandstand will be used for a programme of live events.
The annual event officially gets under way with a free Christmas Kick Off Concert featuring the Red Hot Chilli Pipers and Scottish pop duo The Eves.
George Street will again become another hub for the celebrations, with the return of the ice rink and Polar Ice Bar.
Edinburgh’s Christmas organisers say attractions will be spread across East and West Princes Street Gardens and George Street throughout the festive season.
The Big Wheel is scheduled to operate from 14 November until 3 January, with the Christmas Market generally opening from 10am until 10pm, except on Christmas Day when it will be closed.
The attraction has become a familiar feature of Edinburgh’s winter skyline. Organisers previously said the wheel attracts more than 185,000 locals and visitors in a typical year.
Last winter, more than 300,000 rides were taken across the Big Wheel and Starflyer combined during Edinburgh’s Christmas.
Work to transform Princes Street Gardens will continue over the coming weeks ahead of the opening weekend.