Old Town to play along in Olympic year

THE Old Town is to be transformed into a huge “gameboard” on New Year’s Day to trumpet the start of the Britain’s Olympic year.

Thousands of spectators are expected to visit venues on the Royal Mile, Grassmarket and Chambers Street for the “New Year Games”.

Eager participants will be divided into teams of “uppies” and “doonies” – inspired by the ancient ball games still popular in parts of Scotland – to compete in mass games and challenges, it was reported today.

Organisers of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations are joining forces with London-based Hide & Seek, which has staged several similar events.

Four main games will be staged inside The Hub, St Giles’ Cathedral, Dance Base and the main hall of the National Museum of Scotland.

An outdoor “playground” will also be set up in the Grassmarket.