A stretch of Edinburgh shut off since a massive blaze ripped through the Old Town last month is to reopen in time for Easter.

Workmen moved in to demolish several historic buildings in the Cowgate area in the wake of the fire - Edinburgh's worst in living memory.

Part of the Cowgate, which is popular with clubbers and pub-goers, has been closed since then to allow the work to be carried out.

But council officials have confirmed that the area should be fully reopened by the middle of April.

The fire burned for three days

City of Edinburgh Council leader Donald Anderson said: "Everyone involved is doing a fantastic job.

"The commitment shown by all will hopefully enable us to have the Cowgate open by Easter."

A council spokeswoman said the main demolition work was now over and that discussions were under way on how to redevelop the site.

Millions of pounds worth of damage was caused by the fire, which broke out on 7 December and took three days to bring under control.

Although no one was injured, the blaze forced 150 people to be evacuated from their homes.

Investigations into the fire are still being carried out, but it is feared that the exact cause may never be known.