The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) has announced that two breeding giant pandas, Tian Tian and Yang Guang, have arrived at Edinburgh Zoo from China.

Edinburgh Zoo will be home to both pandas for the next 10 years as part of an agreement with China Wildlife Conservation Association, which visited the city in October.

The zoo will also work with national tourism agency VisitScotland to create "money-can't-buy experiences" relating to the pandas through a number of promotions.

A VisitScotland spokesperson said: "We have already got a number of other partners who are very interested in working with us to promote the giant pandas and, now that their arrival has been confirmed, we will be able to launch these in the New Year.

"In terms of immediate promotion, the pandas will feature in our regional radio advertisements next week, together with a feature in a national newspaper - this represents a combined audience of nearly three million people."

VisitScotland chair Mike Cantlay added: "For Scotland to say that it is home to the UK's only pair of giant pandas represents a marvellous opportunity to promote our nation across the world."

Before Tian Tian and Yang Guang are available for public viewing, the pair will be given a two-week "settling-in" period in their new enclosure at the attraction.

Image: Rob McDougall