Akong Tulku Rinpoche came to Scotland as a young refugee in 1967 and founded the West's first Centre for Tibetan Buddhism, the Samye Ling Centre in Eskdalemuir in Dumfries and Galloway.
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The centre, with its spectacular temple, attracts thousands of visitors every year and caters for people of all faiths with a programme of health courses, weekend workshops and guided tours.

Edinburgh businessman Thom McCarthy, who has been going to the centre since the early 1970s, said: "It's gone from strength to strength. Annie Lennox goes and Lord David Steele is a patron." Rinpoche and an entourage of monks and nuns will commence a tour of Scottish centres in Edinburgh from March 15 to 17.

The visit to the city will begin with a special event at the Royal Museum of Scotland, where there will be a unique exhibition of Buddhist art treasures for the occasion.

Monks and nuns will play fanfares of Tibetan instruments to welcome Rinpoche, who will also be meeting and talking to children from Trinity Primary School.

The visit will continue with a series of teachings, ceremonies and talks and a Buddhist prayer ceremony at the Royal Botanic Garden.

For further information see www.edinburgh.samye.org.