Plans for one of the biggest urban regenerations Scotland has ever seen will be unveiled in Edinburgh later this week. The proposals would completely transform Leith's waterfront area and include five hotels, a new cruise liner terminal and 1800 new homes.

The port of Leith has played a key role over the years as a gateway for trade and a barrier against hostile forces in war.

Now, it is set to change beyond recognition, as Forth Ports unveil their masterplan for the 26 hectare site surrounding Ocean Terminal. 

Nine so-called urban villages are to be built and the industrial landscape transformed into a new hub of trendy hotels, bars, shops and new homes. 

Forth Ports say their plans will generate an extra £200 million a year for the economy and create over 8,000 jobs once complete. That is alongside the 2,500 posts required for construction.

But in the current economic climate, is it the right time to be taking on such an ambitious project? 

Charles Hammond, Chief Executive of Forth Ports Group said: "This is a long term vision and I think in these difficult times its important to have a long term vision. This project will last through this economic cycle and many more before its completed."

Some locals however are questioning the need for so many new homes in an area already bursting with residential developments.

Business leaders say the development will help fly the flag for the city. But this regeneration will be some time in the making.

The first phase is expected to take ten years to complete.