Scotland's capital could be hit by strike action by bin men during its world-famous festival season.

Refuse collectors in Edinburgh are already working-to-rule in a row over plans to change the way they are paid.

It is claimed the new system could see bin men's wages cut from £18,000 to around £12,000.

The row has already hit rubbish collections in the city, with some domestic and commercial collections days behind schedule.

Unite is now in the process of balloting its members for industrial action.

Stephen MacGregor, convener with Unite for the City of Edinburgh Council, said morale among bin collectors was at rock bottom and that some feared losing their homes.

Branding the plans "outrageous" and "completely unacceptable", he said: "It's a very real scenario that potentially these workers could go from £18,000 to £12,000."

He said bin men were "in a state of disbelief" over the current situation.

"They're angry and they're disgusted by the proposals that have been presented to the trade unions," he said.

"Productivity is not going to increase when you're hit with that kind of bombshell and morale is at rock bottom."

He said the union was now in the process of balloting its members for industrial action, giving them the chance to opt for a walk-out or action short of a strike.

Mr MacGregor agreed that such action, if it gets the go-ahead, could come at the same time as thousands of tourists gather in the Scottish capital for the annual festival season.

He said: "During the summer months our membership are asked to go that extra mile in the festival, maintaining the cleanliness of the city during its busiest period.

"The likelihood is there will be a summer of discontent in Edinburgh unless the council come back to Unite with realistic proposals that can be negotiated around."

The local authority has urged bin collectors to return to their normal working arrangements.