Work got under way today to remove a historic war monument in the Scottish capital to allow for work on the tram network.

The Heart of Midlothian Memorial Monument at Edinburgh's Haymarket junction is being put into storage while the tram works are carried out.

The World War I memorial commemorates the bravery of Hearts players who left the football pitch to fight for their country in November 1914.

Thirteen of the players signed up to the 16th Royal Scots Battalion but seven did not return.

The clock and war memorial were donated to the city by the football club in 1922.

Specialists firms have been brought in to dismantle the monument and its clockface.

The memorial will be taken to a secure location while the clockface will be looked after by the City of Edinburgh Council.

Workmen today carried out preparatory work at the site, ahead of the landmark's eventual removal. The whole job is expected to take around three weeks.

The council have said they will "closely supervise" the project.

Jenny Dawe, Edinburgh City Council leader, said: "We know just how special this monument is and every care is being taken to protect it for future generations.

"Once the tram works are complete, it will return to Haymarket in a prime position."

Steven Bell, Edinburgh Tram Project project director, said: "This iconic monument has been an important symbol of remembrance in the capital for many years and will play a prominent part in the new Haymarket junction.

"In the meantime, it is crucial that the memorial is protected from the ongoing tram works."

There have been some protests at possible proposals to relocate the monument to nearby Atholl Crescent, rather than return it to its original position following the works.