A woman has suffered a "frightening" sex attack after getting in a car she thought was a taxi at Edinburgh's Greyfriars Bobby statue.

The 31-year-old was picked up at around 3.30am on Sunday by what she believed was a private hire on Candlemaker Road.

Police investigating the attack said she was then taken to a lay-by near Hillend Ski Slope, near Boghall Farm, Midlothian, where she was assaulted.

Detective Sergeant Keith Mackay said: "This was a frightening experience for the woman, who is now in the care of her family."

Mr Mackay is eager to trace anybody who saw the woman being picked up - or saw the car, which has was five-door saloon, possibly navy blue.

The suspect looked South Asian and around 35-40 years old.

He spoke with a local accent, was clean-shaven, slim, about 5ft 5in or 5ft 6in tall and had dark cropped hair.

Mr Mackay said: "We are eager to trace this man and are appealing for witnesses.

"Anyone who recognises the man's description, or the description of the car, is urged to come forward."

After the attack the woman was taken taken to the Edinburgh bypass and left the car near the Sheriffhall roundabout.