The controversial Uber taxi app is launching in Edinburgh after the company was "blown away" with its reception in Glasgow.

The company  reported "huge demand" for the service in the Scotland's capital

Uber said more than 65,000 people in the capital had already opened the app ahead of Friday's 16:00 launch.

The peer-to-peer service has been criticised by traditional taxi firms over its hiring practices and cheap fares.

Authorities in Europe have also criticised Uber over safety issues but the California-based firm insists its drivers are safe and reliable, and that all are required to pass enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks.

It has been banned in Spain and London cabbies have been angered by lost trade and allegedly poor regulation of the service.

In August, court papers lodged in California accused Uber of not doing enough to check the backgrounds of drivers in the United States, claiming it had employed former murderers, sexual offenders and thieves.

Customers have to download and create an account with the app, which then allows them to book, track and pay for journeys.