Seven competing designs for the new Ross Bandstand in Edinburgh's Princes Street Gardens have been revealed.

Architects from around the world have put forward their proposals for the iconic location beneath Edinburgh Castle.

A £25 million project will see the existing 80-year-old bandstand replaced, a visitor centre added and landscaping work in West Princes Street Gardens.

Writer Alexander McCall Smith and architect Ada Yvars will be on the jury which will pick the winning bid in August.

Norman Springford, chairman of the Ross Development Trust, said: "The revival of this, one of Edinburgh's best and most prominent sites, is a hugely exciting prospect and we now have seven fascinating design concepts from some of the world's most in-demand creative minds."

William Matthews Associates and Sou Fujimoto Architects said its plans were defined by the design brief as "a place for people."

They show a walkway which forms a giant spiral, inspired by the stone circles of Orkney, which offers a panoramic view of the gardens.

The firm said the rings "blend into the urban context of Princes Street on one side and the Gardens on the other, ready to come alive for the cultural events for which Edinburgh is famous."

A design firm called wHY, based in the US, said that "without nature, the city is lifeless."

Its design for the pavilion aims to emphasise the natural beauty of the area.

The American firm said: "There are glimpses of history and the promise of a performance."

The Norway-based Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter said its design would be "a symbolic place for all of Scotland" as well as Edinburgh.

Of its design, it said it was "simple but bold" and would allow the pavilion to host a wide variety of events.

It would be complemented by water terracing that "recalls the Nor' Loch," which was drained to make way for Princes Street Gardens.

Another design to draw inspiration from Nor' Loch is that of Page\Park Architects which was previously selected as the chosen firm to take on the Glasgow School or Art restoration.

Its bandstand would centre around "a typology of a grotto fed by springs for assembly, marriage, song and dance - the Nymphaeum".

As well as the performance venue, Page/Park's new Ross Pavilion would add a visitor centre to the stage.

The design from English company Flanagan Lawrence has been described as a "project of contrasts".

As well as the difference in feel between the New and Old Towns, the new bandstand would be able to accommodate both small and large-scale events within and beyond the gardens.

The London firm would also install a visitor centre.

One of the few to circle around the main performance area, the design from the Bjarke Ingels Group and "its gently undulating canopy reflects the movement of the terrain below and the light of the sky above".

The Copenhagen firm hopes its plans will give a sense of momentum to the Bandstand in its "dramatic setting".

It also aims to update the surrounding planting and refresh the historic gardens.

The final design aims to "honour the legacy and architectural language of the original bandstand that was once the beating heart of the Gardens".

Adjaye Associates promises a flexible performance area which would become an icon for the city as was its predecessor.

Lord provost Frank Ross said: "The global response to the competition reaffirms the worldwide interest a city like Edinburgh commands.

"It really is exciting to see the possibilities for the Ross Pavilion unfold and on display in the City Art Centre.

"We welcome all thoughts and comments from our citizens on the short-listed schemes.

"One of these designs is set to become one of Edinburgh's most important new venues."