This is why military helicopters have been spotted in the sky over Edinburgh in recent weeks

CAPITAL residents have reported being woken up in the middle of the night by the noise of low-flying aircraft as Ministry of Defence (MoD) officials continue a training exercise over the Firth of Forth.

Pictures of the aircraft have been snapped over Edinburgh's skies.

Locals in Portobello say they have been routinely disturbed in the early hours by the low hum of helicopter rotors as the operation continues throughout the month, while those in Corstorphine have also reported hearing the aircraft overhead.

The 'medium-sized' exercise will be taking place between September 1 and September 21, the MoD said.

Air space over Inchcolm, Leuchars, Gin Head and Red Craig will also be used.

Aircraft has been circling over Inchcolm in the Forth as part of the exercise.

Inchcolm sits in the shadow of the Forth Rail Bridge and is reached by boat from South Queensferry. There are only a few buildings on the island including Inchcolm Abbey which dates back to the 12th century.

Around 20,000 people visit the island every year and weddings are held in the ruins of the abbey. English raiders repeatedly attacked the island during the Wars of Scottish Independence.

Exact details of the nature of the training exercise haven't been released by the MoD.

Anyone with low-flying complaints can contact the MoD Complaints and Enquiries Unit, [email protected] or [email protected], or by calling 0845 6007580.