Royal Mile unicorns have their horns restored

The building's facilities manager, a keen woodworker, made the new horns

A pair of 19th Century unicorn sculptures at the top of Edinburgh's Royal Mile have had their horns restored

The sandstone sculptures adorn the façade of the Scotch Whisky Experience, just in front of the Edinburgh Castle esplanade.

Their original horns, made from wood and lead, had long been missing, but as part of the building's restoration the attraction's facilities manager Ross Morris, a keen woodworker, crafted some new ones.

A competition has now been launched to name the unicorns, with some whisky-themed puns such as Amber, Isla and Pete among the suggestions.

Mr Morris said the original horns were believed to have fallen off at some stage during the building's history.

"Helping restore the unicorns to their former glory has been a real privilege," he said.

"Carving the spirals was a new and exciting challenge which drew on years of experience working with wood."

He added: "Having the chance to contribute to such an iconic part of Edinburgh's skyline, at a place that means so much to me, has been incredibly rewarding."

The visitor attraction has launched a competition to name the unicorns

Edinburgh's architecture often features unicorns and several can be found on the Royal Mile.

Adam Wilkinson, former director of Edinburgh World Heritage, said: "Buildings of the late Georgian/Victorian period in Edinburgh were particularly loaded with symbolism.

"Whether the use of classical features in the New Town, or adaptations of Gothic styles like this in the Old Town.

"If you look up in Edinburgh, you will often spot intricate carvings of animals."

He continued: "It is wonderful to see responsible owners who are willing to invest in the care and maintenance of these important vestiges of Edinburgh's social history and giving them a sustainable long term use."

Winners of the "spirit of the unicorn" naming contest, which runs until 27 April, will receive a whisky tour and a special unicorn cocktail at the visitor attraction's bar.

Entries can be submitted via the Scotch Whisky Experience website.