Ian Rankin and John Byrne are among a group of well-known names who will help raise £25m for one of Scotland's most famous theatres.

The author of the Inspector Rebus mysteries and the painter and writer are among a team of Cultural Ambassadors who will campaign for the King's Theatre in Edinburgh.

They will be joined by Andy Gray, Bill Paterson, Elaine C Smith, Allan Stewart and Grant Stott.

The King's, a key festival venue as well as all year round stage, was opened in 1906 but is now in "dire need of major redevelopment to bring it up to twenty first century standards and to meet the needs of modern audiences", the Festival City Theatres Trust say.

In the refit, the theatre's Edwardian auditorium will be retained but its front of house and backstage facilities will be modernised.

Byrne said: "I will endeavour to do a good job as I love the King's and have done down the many years we have gone to see a great many of the wonderful productions there."

The Herald:

Byrne has already added his own contribution to the famous stage: his mural, inspired by Shakespeare, which adorns the theatres ceiling and unveiled in 2013.

Gray added: "It’s my favourite theatre in the world, and I have the most wonderful time every time I walk through its hallowed doors."

Rankin said: "I always enjoy my visits to the King's Theatre.

"It's a grand space where magic happens for all age groups.

"But like other buildings of its vintage, it would benefit from a bit of TLC, bringing it up to scratch for the twenty-first century.

"This is our chance to shape the King's for future generations. It's too good an opportunity to miss and I hope fans of the theatre from Edinburgh and beyond will join in."