Bus drivers are striking over their pay claim

The walkout by Lothian Buses staff got under way in Edinburgh at 0400 BST.

The strike action coincided with the first weekend of the Scottish capital's festival season.

Union officials said not a single driver had crossed the picket line despite attempts by management to entice them with offers of double pay.

The walkout follows a one-day strike by union members at the bus firm a fortnight ago over pay and conditions.

The Transport and General Workers Union (T&G) said it was the first round of industrial action by staff at Lothian Buses in 25 years.

Not a single driver has passed the picket line. It's been 100% rock solid solidarity Peter Williamson T&G

All of council-owned Lothian Buses' vehicles were off the road and pickets were out in force at the three main bus depots.

Peter Williamson of the T&G said drivers were fully behind the strike.

"Many of us have been here since 0400 BST and not a single driver has passed the picket line," he said. "It's been 100% rock solid solidarity.

"We hope it doesn't come to more strikes but there could be unless management listen to the clear message drivers have sent to them today.

"This is the first industrial action by Lothian Buses in a quarter of a century, which shows it's not something we take lightly."

Council chiefs have urged visitors to the Scottish capital to consider other ways of getting about, including cars, rail, cycling or walking.

Restrictions lifted

The local authority has again lifted most "greenways" bus lane restrictions in a bid to ease disruption to drivers.

Lothian drivers earn just under �8.50 an hour but union leaders, who are set to discuss their next move during two mass meeetings on Monday, want the rate to rise to �9 this year.

The T&G says the claim reflects the growth in passenger numbers and increasing demands placed on drivers.

Lothian Buses claimed its drivers already have the highest rates of pay and the best conditions for bus drivers anywhere outside of London.

I think fewer people are inclined to come shopping if they can't take public transport Joss Bastiennen Grassmarket Trading Association,

It increased an initial offer of 4.2% to 5% just before the first strike but the union said this was tied to extra conditions.

Pay talks between managers at Edinburgh City Council and the T&G have completely broken down and there is no sign of either any breakthrough in the talks or the intervention of the conciliation service Acas.

Neil Renilson, chief executive of Lothian Buses, said: "The ball at the moment is very firmly in the court of the trades unions.

"The company made revised offers over a week ago and those have yet to be put out to a ballot of the trade union members."

The business community in Edinburgh feared the strike would hit them in the pocket as shoppers opted to stay at home.

Jazz festival

Joss Bastiennen, from the Grassmarket Trading Association, told BBC Scotland: "I think fewer people are inclined to come shopping if they can't take public transport.

"Driving into town is expensive and difficult, so the bus strike is really not going to help us.

"My turnover has been down in the last four weeks by something between 25% and 30%, which is quite frightening."