A survey asking Scots whether they are in favour of a tourist tax for Edinburgh visitors has found stronger support exists in the east of the country.

The ScotPulse survey found 51% of respondents in the EH postcode said they supported the plans which would see a pound added to hotel bills.

Across Scotland, one in three respondents said they backed the idea, although a further quarter admitted they didn't know enough about it.

Edinburgh council wants to impose a £1 tax on tourists staying in the city's hotels, saying this would raise around £11m a year for local services.

However, the local authority will require new powers to do so.

The survey, which involved more than 1100 people across Scotland, found support for the tax rose to 44% of respondents in the East Central Belt, and 51% of those within the EH postcode.

In the EH postcode 26% opposed the plan and 23% were unsure or did not know enough about it.

Across Scotland, 34% said they supported the plans, 35% said they did not, while 31% were unsure or did not know enough about it.

Edinburgh council leader Adam McVey said there was growing public support for the proposals.

He said: "We knew from our budget consultation in 2017 that there was strong support locally for a tourist tax - or Transient Visitor Levy (TVL) - and this recent poll is testament to the growing body of public opinion in the capital in favour of such a policy.

"To remain a global destination, it's critical that Edinburgh continues to invest in the areas that make the city a success story.

"Over the next 12 months, we will continue to build a compelling case for the powers to introduce a TVL for the long-term benefit of our world-class capital city."

He added: "We're now carrying out a considered, thoughtful and professional engagement with our partners across the tourist and hotel industry, the people of Edinburgh and the tourists who would ultimately pay the levy."