First Minister Alex Salmond yesterday officially launched a historic garden which has been given a £2.6m makeover and opened to the public.
St Andrew Square Garden in Edinburgh, which dates back to 1770, is open to the public for the first time in its history.
The First Minister said the historic area of the capital had now been "refurbished and re-energised".
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr Salmond said: "St Andrew Square is one of the cornerstones of James Craig's New Town masterpiece and is a great example of innovative Scottish architecture.
"It has been home to some of Scotland's great thinkers such as David Hume and Henry Brougham. Despite the square's long and rich history, this is the first time the garden gates have been open to the public."
He said he was delighted people in Edinburgh, including visitors to the capital, would now be able to "relax and enjoy this historical area".
The First Minister went on: "This £2.6m redevelopment has been a fantastic success, resulting in a beautiful city centre space.
"Having previously worked at Dundas House, overlooking St Andrew Square, I am pleased the potential of this garden has been recognised and that it is now a popular retreat for families, tourists, shoppers and workers.
"Special places, like this garden, help to improve our quality of life and contribute to making Scotland a greener, cleaner, healthier place."
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