PRINCES Street Gardens is set for a boost along with neglected monuments and run-down streets under a new drive to improve Edinburgh's World Heritage Site.

The historic heart of the Capital is expected to benefit from a string of major projects announced by a leading city watchdog.

For the first time, the trust responsible for monitoring and promoting the Old and New Towns will spearhead its own conservation schemes.

Areas such as the Grassmarket, Tollcross and South Bridge have been identified by the Edinburgh World Heritage Trust (EWH) for work, and the group has created a brand new post to build support for its proposals.

The trust is expected to make major funding bids to both the public and private sector sources to help get schemes off the ground.

The projects will include everything from repairing rusted railings and improving small parks to restoring derelict buildings.

Among the plans expected to be in contention are the restoration of landmarks like the Burns Monument on Calton Hill, and the Bow Well in the Grassmarket.

Shop improvement schemes are also expected to be developed to help upgrade areas on the periphery of the World Heritage Site, like South Bridge and Tollcross.

And a full audit of historic landmarks across the city is expected to prompt work to Princes Street Gardens.

EWH has appointed David McDonald, a former director of city heritage group the Cockburn Association, as project manager. The trust is setting aside some of its £1.2 million grants budget to pursue the work.

Mr McDonald said: "Previously, it was up to others to apply to us for grants for projects, but we've been to work on schemes with a wider public benefit and that's what this brand new initiative is all about.

"Good conservation is about positive management of change. My role is to identify opportunities where we can be proactive and improve the World Heritage Site.

"Identifying projects is not a challenge, but they need to attract external funding and be deliverable in a realistic timescale.

"We will have some funding to help get projects off the ground but a lot of what I'll be doing will be about bringing in funding from elsewhere."

Another priority identified by the trust is raising the profile of areas like the Grassmarket, through new interpretation panels, guided tours and research projects, to highlight their historic background.

Converted listed buildings could also be made more environmentally friendly by drawing up advice on energy saving measures for developers and property owners. A pilot project is set to get under way within months at the B-listed Lister House Co-operative on Lauriston Place.

Bill Cowan, spokesman for the Old Town Community Council, said: "This does sound like a good idea as there must be lots of initiatives right across the World Heritage Site which are worthy of attention.

Edinburgh City Council's planning convener Jim Lowrie said: "Our unique city is one of our most precious assets.

"But it is an asset that requires good understanding if we are to protect it for the future. This is why it is good that someone like David McDonald is involved. He is someone with a great deal of knowledge about the city and experience of Edinburgh building and design."