Edinburgh has taken a leaf out of Dublin's book for its latest visitor attraction.

A novel new walking tour draws inspiration from Scotland's literary history and in particular the great figures who have written from the capital.
Launched in legendary poets' watering hole Milne's Bar on Rose Street, last week, the pub tour is now up and running six days a week, three times a day. Taking centre stage are a group of professional Edinburgh actors, who'll be donning costumes to take tourists on the two and a half hour tour.

The script, commissioned by Vivienne Adam, Chair of the Scottish Playwrights' Society, spans the years covering the period from the early 18th century to the present day. Starting alongside old school writers Burns, Scott, Stevenson and MacDiarmid in the comic jaunt are famous scenes and characters from best-selling contemporary novelists Irvine Welsh and Iain Banks.

The tour is seen through the eyes of two Edinburghers - Clart and McLean - one who sees himself as an intellectual and the other who is clearly rather seamy.

Morris Paton, director of the Capital city's latest tourist incentive, said:
" Edinburgh has a fascinating literary and cultural heritage and we are keen to bring that heritage alive, for locals and visitors, using a superb script and talented actors linking arts and tourism in a unique way."