The redevelopment of the Ross Bandstand in Edinburgh city centre is expected to be approved by councillors next week.

City hotelier Norman Springford revealed last year that he was willing to pay for the redevelopment of the 80-year-old venue in West Princes Street Gardens.

The benefactor teamed up with the city council to form a steering group to develop the plans.

The wider proposals include landscaping the gardens and restoring of the historic Ross Fountain, all of which are on common good land and within Edinburgh's World Heritage Site.

Councillors are expected to approve plans to set up a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) to take the project forward at a full council meeting next week.

The move will pave the way for a bill to be taken through the Scottish Parliament to seek approval for works on the common good land.

A design competition for the redevelopment, which will also incorporate a visitor centre, is expected to attract "world class architects" to create a year-round attraction.

Council leader Andrew Burns estimated it would be three years until the project was complete.

He said: "We all love the Ross Bandstand but it needs a refresh. It's great that we've been able to find the mechanism to take this forward."

Deputy leader Frank Ross said: "This is one of the most iconic and recognisable vistas in the world. I think we will get world class architects entering into the [design competition]."

Mr Springford said: "A charitable trust has been set up and we are all looking forward to moving this project forward which will hopefully deliver immediate improvements in West Princes Street Gardens."