Hugs are free and squeezy from hoodies

Clare Richardson and Brian McAlpine were among a group of young people who donned custom-made hoodies and took to Princes Street to give out free hugs and chocolates to shoppers.

Mr McAlpine, 20, said: “This is the first time we’ve done a free hugging event and we are planning on doing it every three months now.

“I have given away about 70 hugs so far.”

Ms Richardson, 20, said: “We have had a few mixed reactions but most people have accepted it and it has kind of cheered them up.”