In pictures: snowfall hits Edinburgh

Edinburgh looks beautiful at the best of times, but when dressed in a layer of snow the city is simply stunning.

The city is bracing itself for several centimetres of snow over the next few days and has already received a dusting of snow this morning.

The snow-laden capital has already inspired amateur photographers to take to social media with their finest shots of the city.

Edinburgh Castle

The famous city landmark was an obvious target for tourists and locals alike when the snow started to fall this morning.

The snow is welcome. Always welcome! #snow #edinburgh #winter #castle #gardens pic.twitter.com/MTADpkz6eD

— Tom Hetherington (@TomEatsCake) January 16, 2018

More snow to come so keep warm folks! ❄️☃️🌨 pic.twitter.com/cmP3FbVlLr

— Edinburgh Castle (@edinburghcastle) January 16, 2018

There's #snow in Edinburgh! Join me on #Periscope later this morning for a walk around a snowy medieval wonderland #TravelTuesday @PeriscopeTV pic.twitter.com/UO8OyoABD3

— David C. Weinczok (@TheCastleHunter) January 16, 2018

Who else couldn't stop taking photos of the #snow scenes this morning? ❄️ #Edinburgh pic.twitter.com/nnJ4358ni8

— Digital Six® (@_digitalsix) January 16, 2018

Edinburgh Castle 😍❄️ #edinburgh #castle #scotland #winter #snow https://t.co/CvYdRk41GY pic.twitter.com/S1jM2ljavG

— John Thomson (@JohnThomson_) January 16, 2018

One photographer's view from the castle parapet, however, was obscured by the mass of snow.

@WindyWilson88 a bit snow in #Edinburgh at the moment. View from @edinburghcastle pic.twitter.com/Z9Bj12Qz6L

— Dónal Ferrie 🇮🇪 🇪🇺 (@mionloch) January 16, 2018

St Giles' Cathedral

St Giles' Cathedral was also popular with picture takers, as tourists and tour guides alike shared their photos of the place of worship.

Snow! #Edinburgh ⛄️❄️ pic.twitter.com/ywoPa0LelQ

— Chris Connolly (@connollycm) January 16, 2018

Hello snow! How beautiful the Royal Mile looks! #Snow #Edinburgh #EdinPhoto #ScotSpirit #TuesdayThoughts pic.twitter.com/hCW16QZTUU

— RealMaryKingsClose (@MaryKingsClose) January 16, 2018

It's a little bit snowy & sleety out on the beautiful Royal Mile this morning - wrap up warm on our tours :) https://t.co/R4oX43LnJN #Edinburgh #snow #edintravel #TuesdayThoughts pic.twitter.com/htg6CiSVly

— Mercat Tours Ltd (@MercatToursLtd) January 16, 2018

Arthur's Seat

Arthur's Seat was naturally popular with snappers, with one artist braving the conditions to earn a unique view of the extinct volcano.

Arthur's Seat and the Crags looking beautiful in the snow! #Edinburgh #Snow #Scotland #Winter pic.twitter.com/yBk7mpoej0

— Bruntsfield Minx (@BruntsfieldMinx) January 16, 2018

Arthur's Seat is out there somewhere... It's snowing in Edinburgh pic.twitter.com/0HMwqTz2il

— Kim Harding (@kim_harding) January 16, 2018

Snowy sketching conditions in #Edinburgh this morning pic.twitter.com/2nYFOrzcYC

— Ann Cowan (@acowanart) January 16, 2018

Bruntsfield Links

One Twitter user had her wish fulfilled of a snow-covered Bruntsfield Links.

I've been working in breakfast clubs and after school clubs for not far off 5 years. Every winter, all I want is for it snow enough for me to have a snowball fight at work. Today was that day. #snow #bruntsfieldlinks #edinburgh #winter #doyouwannabuildas… https://t.co/y4SPSSfgcO pic.twitter.com/zVxSqMiClk

— Mary Buchanan (@MaryABuchanan) January 16, 2018

Heriot-Watt University

Meanwhile, James Watt appeared unfazed by the coating of snow.

James Watt is braving the #snow in Edinburgh today.#GlobalWattDay is on Friday 19th January 2018. On the day we'll be asking alumni across the world to join us in honouring James Watt's birthday by raising a toast in his memory. Remember to raise a glass and share your photos! pic.twitter.com/nvziF4EyRh

— Heriot-Watt Alumni (@thewattclub) January 16, 2018

Calton Hill

@edinspotlight took this shot of the Pentland Hills from popular vantage point Calton Hill.

The Pentland covered in snow from Calton Hill #Edinburgh pic.twitter.com/nInZo341mJ

— Edinburgh Spotlight (@edinspotlight) January 16, 2018

Braid Hills

And finally one commuter had a difficult start to the day in the Braid Hills area.

Really. 2cm of snow? En route to work this morning at Braidhills #WinterWeather #Edinburgh #snow pic.twitter.com/dwEnkGvrkH

— Just Ola (@olciav) January 16, 2018