Residents of a homeless hostel in one of Edinburgh's busiest nightlife areas are benefiting from a novel way to drown out the noise.

Lodgers at Cunningham House in the Cowgate were struggling to sleep due to the noise of people spilling out of pubs and clubs in the early hours.

The 23 residents are now enjoying peaceful nights, however, after the fundraising efforts of local volunteers.

St Giles' Cathedral Neighbourhood Group held a series of charity events to raise £7300 to buy sound-absorbing curtains for the 15-room complex.

David Marsland, the unit's managing coordinator, said the new additions were making a difference to the residents, many of whom are trying to overcome serious alcohol and substance misuse problems.

Simon Bolam, convener of the St Giles Cathedral Neighbourhood Group, said: "It must be bad enough when you are homeless but it must be substantially worse, after you do get some accommodation, when you can't get to sleep until 4am because of the noise from all the pubs and clubs immediately outside your window.

"When we heard about this appalling situation, the St Giles' community decided that this was a situation that needed urgent action."

The group's fundraising efforts attracted support from author Alexander McCall Smith.

Mr Bolam added: "We were delighted to be told by the residents that the previously noisiest rooms are now the quietest.

"This was a great result for us as well - we got an enormous kick out of being able to help our neighbours in the Cowgate in such a positive way."

Fredie Evans, 51, who has lived at Cunningham House for six months, said the new curtains had made a huge difference.

"People who live here really appreciate that these curtains have been put up to try to help them get as good a night's sleep as possible," he added.

"The Cowgate is a busy street and they help blank out the noise and street light. The more we rest at night the better we function during the day."

Mr Marsland said he and his staff at the unit, run by Church of Scotland's social care arm Crossreach, were enormously grateful to the neighbourhood group.

"The Cowgate is a great location for all the services that we need but it is a noisy place at night, especially at the weekends and during the Edinburgh Festival when pubs are open until 4am-5am," he added.

"When people are facing crisis in their lives and are trying to get themselves back together, a lack of sleep when they have meetings with social workers and nurses does not help.

"The curtains have been very helpful for clients who have noticed a real difference."

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