A US airline has set off on its first non-stop seasonal service between Edinburgh and Washington.

The United Airlines flight left Edinburgh Airport on Thursday bound for Washington Dulles International Airport.

To mark the special occasion, a Scottish piper welcomed the first passengers as United flight 147 left Edinburgh.

The flights by the US airline will operate daily until October 4.

Bob Schumacher, managing director sales United Kingdom and Ireland with the airline, said: "We are excited to inaugurate our non-stop seasonal service between Edinburgh and our Washington, DC hub, connecting the two capital cities for the very first time.

"Our new flight strengthens our international route network and provides our customers from Scotland with greater travel choice, with almost 70 non-stop connections from Washington, DC to other destinations across the US, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean."

Edinburgh Airport chief executive, Gordon Dewar, said: "We know that Edinburgh and Scotland are a huge draw for inbound tourists and we look forward to welcoming and showing them the fantastic sights and history that we have, and the allure of a dynamic city like Washington, DC and all of its landmarks will prove to be a popular attraction with those passengers looking to experience the best of America."

The daily flight UA147 departs Edinburgh at 12.30pm and arrives at Washington DC at 3.30pm the same day.

The return flight, UA146, departs Washington DC at 10.10pm, arriving in Edinburgh at 10.25am the following day.

Economy secretary, Keith Brown, said: "This route is great news for Edinburgh and Scotland, and will further strengthen the strong cultural, historical and economic bonds we share with the United States."