Nocturnal light sculptures have popped up in a city garden as part of a touring project by French artists.

The stick figures were put in place in St Andrew Square in Edinburgh after the installation was commissioned by the city council.

It is the first time the Keyframes display, which has previously been shown in Singapore, Spain and France, has been taken to Scotland.

Created by producers Curated Place and French artists Groupe LAPS, it is hoped the project will be a highlight of Scotland’s year of innovation, architecture and design.

Sounds will be played to add to the experience of walking through the park beside the figures, which are in various poses. The display will be exhibited until March 28.

Thomas Veyssiere from Groupe LAPS said: “Visitors who walk through the square will discover the figures undertaking different activities, be it climbing a tree, throwing a frisbee or having a snooze. Sound will envelop the whole area and entice visitors to get closer to the installation.”

Councillor Richard Lewis, Edinburgh’s events champion, said the display would be a “public art by day, [and] light show by night”.

He said: “Keyframes is something completely different for Edinburgh. It's fantastic to bring international cultural events to the city. This project has been tailored by the French artists to suit the square and celebrate elements of Scottish culture, from the sound of the bagpipes to our national love of football.”

Roddy Smith, chief executive of Essential Edinburgh, said: “Keyframes is something that will draw and delight local people and visitors alike, and add to the ambience of the city centre well into spring.”

The free exhibition is being funded by the city council and EventScotland with the support of Marketing Edinburgh and Essential Edinburgh.