Edinburgh’s renowned Hogmanay street party and traditional fireworks display have been cancelled as severe weather conditions batter Scotland. Event organisers, UniqueAssembly, made the decision after the Met Office issued yellow weather warnings across most of Scotland for Monday and Tuesday, with an amber warning for northern areas.
Tourists who travelled from around the globe for the celebrations, including a concert headlined by Texas, were apologised to by the organisers, who cited unsafe conditions for setting up outdoor events. Despite the cancellations, indoor events are set to go ahead, including a sold-out gig by Idlewild and a fully booked St Giles’ Cathedral service on New Year’s Eve.
An official 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 Monday and December 31 are unable to go ahead on the grounds of public safety.
“The cancellation includes tonight’s Night Afore Disco Party in West Princes Street Gardens and, on December 31, the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party, Concert in the Gardens, and the midnight fireworks from Edinburgh Castle.
“We have been unable to continue with preparations and necessary set-up for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay outdoor events due to extreme weather and forecast conditions. Therefore, for safety reasons, we, along with our event partners, have taken the difficult decision to cancel all outdoor events.
“We know that this will be hugely disappointing to all hoping to celebrate Hogmanay in Edinburgh and that people travel from around the world to be here. Customer service from the point of purchase will be in touch with ticket-holders directly with further instructions regarding refunds in due course.”
Texas also shared an update on Instagram:
“Unfortunately, tomorrow’s gig has been cancelled due to the weather.
“We hope everyone stays safe and has a great New Year when it comes.”
Council leader Jane Meagher expressed her disappointment, saying:
“I know that, like me, many people will be very disappointed. This decision was not taken lightly; however, with the ongoing adverse weather conditions, public safety must be our number one priority.
“There are lots of exciting indoor events taking place. For those coming along to them – I know you’re in for a treat and will have a great time. Please make sure you stay up-to-date with the weather and transport on social media.”
Chief Superintendent David Robertson, Police Scotland Gold Commander for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, supported the decision, stating:
“Cancelling such an event is a difficult decision for the organisers, but public safety takes priority, so we fully support this decision.”
The severe weather has prompted widespread disruptions across Scotland, with ferry services cancelled, rail lines, including the Highland Main Line at Kingussie, impacted, and warnings of flooding and travel delays. The Met Office forecasts 50-70mm of rainfall generally, with up to 100-140mm in some areas and as much as 20cm of snow in others.
Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s duty flood manager, Cordelia Menmuir, added:
“Extremely high water levels are expected in Speyside, the Great Glen and Tayside, resulting in disruptions to transport and to communities.
“It is possible we could see similar levels to those experienced in early October 2023, when places like Aviemore and Perth were severely affected.”
First Minister John Swinney was set to attend a meeting of SGORR on Monday evening, chaired by Justice Secretary Angela Constance. She urged travellers to heed advice from Police Scotland and Traffic Scotland during the busy period, warning:
“There is expected to be a significant amount of rainfall in the next 24 hours after a period of wet weather, raising the risks of travel disruption and flooding.”
Despite the setbacks, indoor Hogmanay events promise to offer memorable celebrations for those able to attend.
