A major public consultation has been launched to canvass views on how Edinburgh's coveted world heritage site should be protected.

Fears have been growing that controversial planning developments in the city centre have thrown its status as a Unesco site into jeopardy.

The capital's old and new towns have held the status since 1995 and are among just six world heritage sites in Scotland.

A fresh survey was launched on Friday morning to gauge residents' views of how the site should be managed.

It will gather feedback for the three organisations who manage the site - Edinburgh City Council, Edinburgh World Heritage and Historic Environment Scotland.

Public meetings will be held with different community and residents' groups while an online survey will also gauge views.

World heritage sites require strict management plans to ensure the "outstanding universal value", which merits the special status, is preserved.

The new survey will inform the new management plan, which is expected to launch in Spring 2017.

Councillor Ian Perry, convener of the city council's planning committee, said: "Our world heritage site is of crucial importance to the future vision and development of the city.

"This consultation process is an opportunity for everyone to have their say on how the site is being run.

"We would like as many people as possible to let us know what they think is working well, and where we can make improvements.'

Adam Wilkinson, director of Edinburgh World Heritage, said: "[The plan's] review is an important opportunity for the communities of the site and the city in general to ensure their voice is heard.

"We would urge everyone to get involved and take part in this consultation process."

Barbara Cummins, director of heritage management at Historic Environment Scotland welcomed the consultation, describing it as a key opportunity to gather suggestions and ideas from those who live, work and visit Edinburgh.

The survey will close at the end of July.