“NEGLECTED” closes are to become urban galleries in a new initiative to transform “unloved” public spaces.

Edinburgh World Heritage (EWH) will overhaul 12 city closes with artwork, lighting and “interpretation” to encourage more people to use them.

The project aims to change perceptions of spaces that feel “under-used, unloved or unsafe”, revealing their atmospheric charm, sharing their history and reclaiming them as pedestrian links.

There are currently more than 70 closes throughout the Old Town and the scheme was launched yesterday with a demonstration in Bakehouse Close.

The final selection of 12 spaces is yet to be determined, but the current shortlist also includes Riddle’s Close, Crichton’s Close, Stevenlaw’s Close, Fleshmarket Close and Carruber’s Close.