Edinburgh axes Hogmanay festivities over bad weather

Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations have been cancelled because of "extreme weather".

- TARA COBHAM

Outdoor events including tonight's street party and fireworks display, have had to be scrapped, organisers announced yesterday afternoon. The "difficult" decision followed Met Office yellow weather warnings for most of Scotland and an amber warning for northern Scotland.

Organisers Unique Assembly said it was not safe to continue carrying out preparations for the festival in such bad weather, with strong winds battering the city centre. They apologised for the “hugely disappointing” decision, including to tourists who had travelled internationally for the events, including an openair concert headlined by Scottish band Texas.

However, they added that all indoor events, including a sold-out service at St Giles’ Cathedral, would still go ahead.

Police Scotland said the decision was motivated by “public safety” and commended it, a day after a torchlit procession was cancelled due to high winds. Blackpool Council has also made the “tough decision” to cancel its new year’s fireworks due to “high winds”.