TOURIST bosses are hoping that a new children's TV series will do for Edinburgh what Balamory did for the Isle of Mull and make the capital the must-see spot for holidaying families.

Teacup Travels, which was launched yesterday, was filmed entirely in Scotland on sets created in Loretto School, Musselburgh, and outdoor scenes filmed at the Head Gardener's Cottage in Princes Street Gardens.

Aimed at pre-schoolers and young primary school children, the CBeebies show features the adventures of two youngsters called Charlotte and Elliot and their great aunt Lizzie.

Lizzie, played by Bafta-nominated actress Gemma Jones, tells the sibling tales of her life as an adventurous archaeologist with each story tied to a different teacup in her collection, and Charlotte and Elliot imagine themselves setting off in their her footsteps for real.

Each story is inspired by a real object that can be found in a museum somewhere in the United Kingdom.

Jenni Steele, film and creative industries manager at VisitScotland, said: "Teacup Travels will be beamed into millions of homes every day, and I'm sure that young children captivated by the series will love to see Great Aunt Lizzie's Cottage in real life.

"The Head Gardener's Cottage looks stunning and the fact it is situated so close to Waverley Station means it is easily accessible for visitors to the city.

"Research shows that 40 per cent of visitors to the UK are inspired to go somewhere after seeing it on film or on television, so Edinburgh's starring role in Teacup Travels could be terrific news for tourism in the city."

Kay Benbow, director of children's television at CBeebies, said: "This is a first for CBeebies to bring ancient history and archaeology to our young audience. The series combines story telling with high adventure in a way that will inspire and encourage children to want to learn more about life in ancient times.

"I think children will love going on the adventures with Charlotte [and Elliot] to discover more about what life was like thousands of years ago."

Natalie Usher, director of film and media at Creative Scotland, added: "We are delighted that Teacup Travels will broadcast on CBeebies to a UK audience over the coming months.

"Inspired by a real-life Scottish family's tradition of storytelling between generations, these stories celebrate childhood's spirit of adventure on an international scale."