Beltane event stokes flames

Preparations are under way for this year's spectacular Samhuinn Festival on the Royal Mile.

The annual event, organised by the Beltane Fire Society, is held on October 31 in the heart of Edinburgh's historic Old Town, and is firmly established as a much-loved feature of the Edinburgh calendar.

Starting from humble beginnings in the late 1990s, the festival, now in its 14th year, has nearly 150 participants and has attracted crowds of around 4000 spectators.

Famous for its drumming, fire, atmosphere and pyrotechnics, Samhuinn marks both the Celtic New Year and the start of winter.

Rooted in traditional Goloshan plays, actors depict a mighty battle between the Summer and Winter Kings, who fight to the death.