A RENOWNED Scottish author has launched a rescued old-fashioned red phone box as one of

Scotland’s quirkiest tourist attractions.

Ian Rankin was at the unveiling of the refurbished “Gilbert” on Queen Street in Edinburgh, the phone box bought for £1 by Save the Children as part of the BT adopt a kiosk scheme.

Gilbert is kindly run and maintained by bespoke tailors, Stewart Christie & Co, on the charity’s behalf. It has been decked out in traditional tiling and contains dressing up items, such as hats, pipes, and tweeds.

Visitors to Gilbert make a donation to Save the Children in exchange for the key, held at the neighbouring tailors, to take selfies in the traditional garb.

The interior of the phone box was lovingly handcrafted by Frederick Fearn, the father of actor Daniel Fearn.