An ice sculpture adventure will launch Edinburgh's Christmas in the city centre.

The Journey Through Frozen Scotland in the west end of George Street will feature sculptures of well-known Scottish animals and historic figures.

The launch on Friday evening comes as Edinburgh prepares for the annual switch-on of the city's Christmas lights.

Light Night on Sunday is expected to draw a crowd of around 20,000 spectators.

Created by Hamilton Ice, the adventure is described as "an immersive walk-through experience filled with spectacular ice and snow sculptures to take your breath away."

It features lifelike sculptures of Highland cows, eagles, Dolly the sheep, Robert the Bruce and Greyfriars Bobby.

The Loch Ness Monster is also depicted in ice as part of the experience, which is making its Edinburgh debut this year.

Jamie Hamilton, of Hamilton Ice, said: "We couldn't be happier to be part of Edinburgh's Christmas for the first time.

"We're having great fun imagining and creating in snow and ice many aspects of Scotland from Robert the Bruce to Dolly the Sheep for Ice Adventure, which we hope visitors will enjoy exploring and discovering."

From Saturday, a Santa's Grotto will also be on George Street next to the Ice Adventure.

Call the Midwife actress Laura Main will switch on Edinburgh's Christmas lights on Sunday.

She will be joined by her co-star in Shrek the Musical, Steffan Harri.

The popular Christmas market will continue as before while a giant "advent calendar" will be projected on to the front of General Register House from December 1.

A new animated image will be revealed each day until Christmas between 5pm and 10pm.

This is the first year organisers Underbelly, who have run Edinburgh's Christmas events for five years, will also be in charge of the city's Hogmanay celebrations.