An iconic statue has been returned to its plinth after six months having been given a £60,000 restoration.

The monument of Charles II riding on horseback was taken to Kent for essential work after it became split and cracked.

The oldest statue in Edinburgh, it sits in Parliament Square near the High Court on the Royal Mile.

Weather damage had caused the lead to split and crack which meant a new supporting framework had to be put inside. A layer of protective wax was also put on to protect it against the elements.

The work was carried out at the Hall of Conservation in Rochester and the statue returned to the capital on Tuesday.

Councillor Deidre Brock, Culture and Leisure Convener, said: "Parliament Square has not been the same since this magnificent statue was taken away for conservation, so it's good to see this monument back in place again.

“Charles II is the oldest of Edinburgh's many historic statues and this painstaking restoration means it is now preserved for future generations of residents and visitors to come."

Costing £59,255, the work was funded by Edinburgh City Council and Edinburgh World Heritage.

Adam Wilkinson, Director of Edinburgh World Heritage, added: "I am delighted to see this treasure fully restored and back in its rightful place at the heart of the city. This has been a very worthwhile project and I would like to thank all the donors, whose contributions have been vital to this project.

“The conservators have done a marvellous job, and everyone can now appreciate this sculpture in its original condition. This statue has seen many changes in the 300 years that it has been watching over Parliament Square and I am glad that we have been able to ensure its future for many years to come."