Bombardier Allison Jones has marked International Women's Day with a bang as she fired Edinburgh's one o'clock gun.

The District Gunner from Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire is the first women to be appointed to fire the gun at Edinburgh Castle.

The 41-year-old from the 105th Regiment Royal Artillery (Volunteers) said: "International Women's Day is a global celebration of women's achievements.

"The main change to me as a soldier over the years was being asked to do this wonderful job, all due to my qualifications and not my gender.

"The day also focuses on the continued plight of women and girls in parts of the world where there are abuses of human rights, violence and human trafficking.

"If this day can make people stop and think about women all over the world and their plight then International Women's Day will be a wonderful success."