In pictures: Beltane Fire Festival 2015

THOUSANDS gathered on Calton Hill on Thursday evening to celebrate the Beltane Fire Festival and usher the arrival of summertime.

The world-famous Beltane Fire Festival in Edinburgh. Picture: Jane Barlow

Beltane Fire Festival takes place annually in Edinburgh since it was first staged in 1988.

It is the ancient Celtic celebration marking the end of winter and coming of summer.

Hundreds of volunteers take part each year, drumming and dancing with fire, in body paint and outlandish costumes. The event is watched audience of more than 6,000 people annually.

Have you visited our new Scottish food and drink site?

FOLLOW US

Twitter | Facebook | Google+

Subscribe to our DAILY NEWSLETTER (requires registration)

SCOTSMAN TABLET AND MOBILE APPS

iPhone | iPad | Android | Kindle