Work is set to start on a major expansion of Edinburgh's financial district.

Up to 1500 jobs are expected to be created under the £50 million scheme being built by Scottish Widows on the site of the former meat market on the corner of Fountainbridge and Semple Street.

Scottish Widows, which is pursuing the development through its asset management wing, has spent months dismantling and demolishing a number of buildings on the corner of the site, including the old meat market, which opened in 1884.

As well as the 200,000 sq ft of office space, it will include two restaurants.

The development is close to another major new office scheme being developed by a joint venture between Scotmid and Gladedale Capital.