A �7m cancer research centre in Edinburgh has been opened by the Princess Royal.

Scientists at the facility will carry out a �9m research programme aimed at controlling cancer through gene therapy.

The centre is located at the city's Western General Hospital.

The Princess Royal opened the centre

Its close proximity to the Edinburgh Cancer Centre will mean that patients can quickly benefit from new treatments.

The research programme is funded by Cancer Research UK (CRUK).

The Princess unveiled a plaque after an hour-long tour of the building.

She said: "The investment here is considerable but that investment is only here because of the reputation and respect of the team that already exists here.

"I can only congratulate your founders for spotting that and the team for establishing the reputation and growing it and setting standards internationally for others to want to follow."

Ambition realised

Centre director Professor John Smyth said: "This funding will allow us to develop the critical mass of research workers to ensure that we remain at the forefront of international research.

"This is a team effort and today is the realisation for me of an ambition I have had for over 20 years."

Scientists at the centre will conduct trials into anti-cancer drugs and seek breakthroughs in the understanding of ovarian and breast cancers in particular.

The Rt Hon Baroness Hayman, chairman of CRUK, said: "What gives more enormous pleasure, and what I know gives our donors and supporters enormous pleasure, is to see a wonderful building like this that is the outcome of their efforts."