Pampered pandas head for the zoo with a view

Bullet-proof glass plates weighing half a tonne each are being installed at Edinburgh Zoo to give visitors the best possible view of two pandas when they arrive in Scotland from China.

The ten floor-to-ceiling plates will allow about 600 spectators an hour to get up close to Tian Tian and Yuang Guang after their expected arrival later this year.

Reperesentatives of the Chinese Wildlife Conservation Association are due to visit the site in October, when they are expected to give final approval for the pandas to arrive in the capital.

Last Friday, the zoo's owners announced it was already making changes to the animals' new home - described as "baby-proofing measures" - based on advice from breeding centre staff from China who visited Edinburgh Zoo in June.

The secure barriers will also prevent any members of the public breaking into the enclosure, which is costing a quarter of a million pounds.

Hugh Roberts, the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland's chief executive, said: "This is an exciting stage in getting the connection between pandas and public put in place, and a key element of the new enclosure will not only provide a serene environment for the bears, but an enhanced visitor experience."

He added: "It's also an important milestone in progressing towards the visit of the Chinese Wildlife Conservation Association, when they will see it for themselves."

The glass windows surround the new home for the pandas, which also boasts a swimming pool, cave, nursery and climbing area.

Hyradulic vacuum lifters brought in to move the plates into position have provided "much amusement" to the surrounding animals, according to the contractor, the GGR Group.