Edinburgh's Camera Obscura attraction has reopened its doors after a £1.2m renovation project.

The attraction, located on the city's famous Royal Mile, has extended 200sq m into the upper two floors of the adjacent ‘Ragged School’ – a former 19th century home for destitute children – and new exhibits include the Vortex Tunnel of light and the Get Lost mirror maze.

It also boasts an Ames Room, which creates giants and dwarves of those that enter it, was originally created by Adelbert Ames in the 1930s. The concept was famously used in recent years to film the Lord of the Rings trilogy, in particular to create the scenes with Gandalf and the hobbits.

Andrew Johnson, director and manager of the Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, said: “This is a landmark event in our history as Scotland’s oldest purpose-built visitor attraction. We are delighted to be celebrating the launch of this fabulous new space in this, our 175th year of business.

“With the addition of exclusive exhibits such as the Ames Room, there is an endless amount of interactive fun to be had. We hope that the new space will encourage visitors both young and old to come and join us in celebrating our momentous anniversary year.”