Psst, want to see a Russian spy's map of Edinburgh?

A SET of Russian spy maps revealing the hidden secrets of Edinburgh and Glasgow, as well as many other locations across the UK, will be available to the general public for the first time from today.

A Cold War legacy, they were produced by the Russian military from 1950 to 1997 and reveal the exact location and purpose of every structure of possible military importance, including details such as the width of our roads, the height of our bridges and the depth of our rivers.

Experts believe the maps were developed using aerial photographs, satellite images, local knowledge and spies. They include some features not shown on British maps from theera, such as quarries and military installations.

Family and local history expert Dr Nick Barratt, best known for his work on Who Do You Think You Are?, said: "The Russian maps can be a valuable research tool if you want to find out more about your local area."

The maps are at www.russianmaps.co.uk.