Google has its sights set on Princes Street

VIRTUAL mapping tool Google Street View is expanding in the Lothians and may be set to include Princes Street for the first time.

The website, which creates a virtual walk through of major cities, is set to go nationwide on Thursday and will include major Lothian towns such as Livingston, Penicuik and Haddington.

However, tram works and standing vehicle restrictions have meant that Google has so far been unable to include Princes Street.

A Google spokeswoman said: "Some vehicle restricted and pedestrianised areas have not been included. This is the problem we've had with Princes Street but the next stage will involve approaching local authorities and land owners for special permission to photograph sites like this."