Torchlight procession kicks off Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations

Thousands of people have marched through the Meadows in Edinburgh waving flaming torches to officially kick off the city’s world-famous Hogmanay celebrations.

The annual torchlight procession wound its way through the city centre park towards Edinburgh Castle.

The traditional walk was started by Hearts and Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon, who was joined by Shetland’s South Mainland Up Helly Aa’ Jarl squad to begin the parade.

Organisers said about 15,000 people took part, while a further 10,000 were there to watch.

An estimated 60,000 people are expected to arrive in Edinburgh from across the world to celebrate the arrival of 2026 in the coming days.

Indie rock band Wet Leg are set to headline the concert in Princes Street Gardens on 31 December, followed by the traditional firework display.

Meanwhile, the annual street party on Princes Street also returns as part of the four-day festival.

Last year, the Hogmanay events were pulled the day before due to fears over extreme weather.

This year, forecasters have predicted dry conditions with little chance of a repeat cancellation.