Edinburgh welcomes the world to Hogmanay

VISITORS from around the world were among thousands of people who carried torches up Calton Hill in Edinburgh yesterday evening as the city’s Hogmanay festival officially began.

Organisers say people from more than 50 countries, including Botswana, New Zealand and Taiwan, are expected to join the festivities which include the world-famous street party on New Year’s Eve.

Meanwhile, communities from Shetland to the Scottish Borders are gearing up for their own celebrations which will see thousands of people defy the winter chill to party at open air events across the country.

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As well as street parties and firework displays in Glasgow, Aberdeen and Inverness, thousands of visitors are expected to descend on the fishing village of Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, to watch the historic fireball swinging procession, and to Biggar, in the Scottish Borders, to join the traditional revels around the lighting of the Biggar Bonfire.

Yesterday, Clarence House confirmed Prince Charles and Camilla, who are known as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay in Scotland, are now north of the Border and will be spending New Year at Birkhall, their residence in the grounds of the Balmoral Estate in Royal Deeside.

Prince William and Kate, who in Scotland are known as the Earl and Countess of Strathearn, are rumoured to be joining them for a traditional Scottish New Year – their first as a married couple.

A VisitScotland spokesman said: “Hogmanay in Scotland is something special. From massive street parties to ancient traditions, our celebrations have got something for everyone.

“Whether you’ve come here from across the globe or are enjoying the events in your local town, these celebrations offer a tremendous boost for the tourism industry, in what would be an otherwise traditionally quieter period.”

Last night, a troop of Up Helly Aa Vikings and a hundred-strong pipe and drum band led thousands of revellers carrying torches up Calton Hill in Edinburgh, in the traditional start to the three-day Hogmanay Festival. South Korean students Yeon Tu and Seun Ah, both 21, travelled thousands of miles to be at the celebrations.

Yeon Tu said: “We are so excited about the torchlight procession and for the street party. We read about Edinburgh Hogmanay at home and had to come.

“It is our first time in Scotland and all our friends wish they could come. We are so happy to be here. Edinburgh New Year is famous in Korea.”

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Tonight, tens of thousands are expected to throng to the city centre to watch Primal Scream, Friendly Fires, The Vaccines and Mark Ronson perform at the world-famous street party. Tickets for the Concert in the Gardens, the Keilidh and the Candlelit Concert in St Giles’ Cathedral had already sold out yesterday, but tickets for the street party were still available.

Steve Cardownie, Edinburgh’s festivals and events champion, said: “This year, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay was recognised by Wanderlust magazine as the best place to celebrate the turn of the year, confirming what we’ve known for a long time. It promises to be a sensational start to 2012.”

Creative director Pete Irvine said: “Edinburgh’s Hogmanay has a fantastic worldwide reputation and we are delighted that once again revellers are travelling from around the globe to join us.”

For the first time, the street party will be screened online, which EventScotland hopes will help spread its popularity.

Jim Watson, public weather service advisor for the Met Office, said: “The weather is currently looking good for the Edinburgh Hogmanay celebrations.”