A new drop-in service offering help and advice for cancer patients has been officially opened in Edinburgh.
The centre, at the Western General, has been set up by the Macmillan Cancer Support charity and NHS Lothian. Staff there will provide people with information on everything from their diagnosis to financial assistance.
Thousands of people are expected to make use of the services on offer at the Macmillan Information and Support Centre.
More than 5,000 new cancer patients are seen at the Edinburgh Cancer Centre at the Western General Hospital every year and more than 400 patients pass through the doors every day.
Marisa Conde, a former patient at the hospital, welcomed the new facility. She said: "I felt lonely and worried and I certainly know that if this centre had been around at the time I would have had somewhere that I knew I could go to."
Another former patient, Rona Passmore, added: "Just to be able to come and talk to somebody in a similar position would be good and pass on positive feedback because mine was positive."
Edinburgh businessman Robert Kilgour, chief executive of Dow Investments Ltd, donated £30,000 towards the facility, and he believes the centre is worth every penny.
Mr Kilgour said: "You're in the hospital in a state of shock this is a quiet oasis to come to get more information cos I would imagine you've forgotten most of what the doctor has told you half an hour beforehand."
As well as medical and emotional support, staff at the centre can also advise on practical issues.
Elaine Gray, centre manager, said: "They're not sure what they're entitled to claim in terms of expenses, they may be on half pay or may even be struggling for financial help to even get here for treatment."
The centre, which is open five days a week from 10am to 4pm, will be manned by trained volunteers many of whom have had the condition themselves.
