Edinburgh Hogmanay celebrations scaled back after outdoor events cancelled
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Edinburgh’s Hogmanay has been scaled back as outdoor events were cancelled because of weather warnings amid fears over public safety. Organisers announced on Monday afternoon that the street party, outdoor concert and fireworks display would be cancelled due to bad weather, a day after a torchlight procession was scrapped because of high winds.
The four-day event concludes on January 2 and organisers UniqueAssembly said weather conditions were so bad preparation for outdoor events could not take place. A yellow weather warning for rain and snow was issued by the Met Office for most of Scotland on Monday and Tuesday, however an amber Met Office alert is in force from midnight until 5pm on Tuesday in Moray and the Highlands.
Organisers apologised to tourists who had travelled internationally for the cancelled events, including the Concert in the Gardens headlined by Scottish band Texas, and the midnight fireworks on New Year’s Eve. Heavy rain and snow were forecast across most of the country on Monday, with the Night Afore Disco Party in West Princes Street Gardens cancelled as a result, while New Year’s Eve is expected to see heavy winds in the southern part of the country.
A spokesperson for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay said: “Due to ongoing high winds and inclement weather in Edinburgh city centre, we regret to announce that outdoor events scheduled for December 31 are unable to go ahead on the grounds of public safety. “The cancellation includes the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party, Concert in the Gardens and the midnight fireworks from Edinburgh Castle.
