Science Festival to set up photo exhibit in St Andrew Square

But a new exhibition will see the square taken over by some of the planet's most awe-inspiring animals as part of this year's Edinburgh International Science Festival.

A series of 60 giant photographs will be placed around the site from tomorrow, ahead of the festival's official start next month.

The Spirit of the Wild exhibition is the result of more than 12 years' work by renowned photographer Steve Bloom.

It features some of his most iconic images, including stunning underwater scenes of a swimming elephant, images of leaping dolphins, polar bears and a jaw-dropping shot of a great white shark in mid-air as it attacks a seal pup.

The aim of the exhibition is to highlight the fact that 2010 is the International Year of Biodiversity, and Mr Bloom, 57, said he hoped it would show people how precious the Earth's animals are.

He said: "An outdoor exhibition like this is something very special, and I am so thrilled that the Science Festival have agreed to show the exhibit.

"I always hope to show people how amazing these animals can be, but people need to be aware they are under threat and hopefully this will help with that."

The South African-born artist, now based in Kent, said he had been inspired to take up photography following an African safari.

"I hadn't actually taken pictures for a long time, but seeing all the animals in their natural habitats just really made me want to get out there and do it again," he said.

"I don't just do wildlife photography, but it is one of the most exciting and challenging areas to work in.

"When I was photographing the great white shark, I spent 16 days in a boat and when it finally happened I was looking the other way, so I had to spend another three or four days trying to get it again."

"The elephant shot was just an incredible experience and it was a little scary, as we were scuba diving and waiting for this elephant to swim across.

"When it did it was so strange, because it looked like the elephant was going to stand on us!"

Last year's festival included a major outdoor exhibition in St Andrew Square that proved to be one of the most popular events.

Dr Simon Gage, director of the Science Festival, said: "

We are delighted to bring the Science Festival out to a wider audience using the wonderful public space that is St Andrew Square."

This year's festival will run from 3-17 April.