One giant party zone... but keep it down!

Fireworks cut back as capital bash returns with a bang

- BY GEORGE MAIR

Fireworks experts Lynn Wiseman (right) and Aaron Hutton (left) preparing Edinburgh Castle display

EDINBURGH’S Hogmanay will go with somewhat less of a bang tonight thanks to fewer fireworks — as an estimated 50,000 revellers brave icy weather to join the party.

It’s a drive to reduce stress for animals on the biggest night of the year, following the death of two red pandas in November last year that were linked to firework explosions in the capital.

And it follows mounting pressure to reduce the reliance on pyrotechnics in heralding the New Year.

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay festivals have in the past seen fireworks launched over three nights, including the iconic show from the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle.

This year, in a change from tradition, fireworks played no part in Monday’s Torchlight Procession or in yesterday’s Night Afore Concert. Meanwhile, the Hogmanay display itself will be limited to just three short hourly bursts and a six-minute spectacle from the castle at the Bells.

Ten thousand “shots” will fill the sky over Princes Street Gardens to a soundtrack, but the overall number has been cut this year to reduce distress to pets and other animals.