Cup Final Route announced for Victory bus next weekend

Hibernian and Heart of Midlothian Football Clubs are due to face each other in an historic all-Edinburgh Final.  The winning team will then parade the Cup in an open-top bus through the city the following day Sunday 20 May 2012 from 2pm.

Each team submitted their chosen route to the Council ahead of the event so that the necessary plans could be made. Preparations are already underway for both eventualities and extra resources will be put in place, such as additional police, stewards and first aiders. Traffic management measures will also be in place to ensure the safety of the expected high numbers of people lining the streets to watch the parade. The winners will attend a celebratory reception at the Council Chambers before making their way to their stadium.

If Heart of Midlothian wins the final, their victory parade route will go from the Council Chambers to Tynecastle Stadium via Johnston Terrace, Morrison Street, Dalry Road and Gorgie Road.

If Hibernian Football Club wins the cup, their parade will start at the Council Chambers and journey to Easter Road Stadium via North Bridge, Leith Street, London Road and Easter Road.

Sue Bruce, Chief Executive, City of Edinburgh Council, said: “We are ready and looking forward to this historic event, which will be a wonderful day for Edinburgh. Regardless of who takes the Cup home, it will be a fantastic day of celebration and I’m sure there will be a great atmosphere throughout the city”.

“We are asking people to plan ahead and to behave responsibly both on match day and during the celebrations that follow. This will help to ensure that the weekend passes smoothly and safely so that it can be enjoyed by all.”

Chief Superintendent Gill Imery, Divisional Commander for the City of Edinburgh, said:- “Lothian and Borders Police and the City of Edinburgh Council have worked closely with Hearts and Hibs to ensure the celebratory parade will pass through various areas of the city and provide fans with an optimal view.

“The parade routes for both teams were proposed by the clubs and agreed by a multi agency team who will address any issues that may arise during the planning stage.

“With a large turnout expected for the winning team, motorists are advised to plan journeys in advance and take heed of any road closures in operation during the parade.

“Details of these can be found on the City of Edinburgh Council website.”

Tickets to the stadium event will be made available free of charge, at the turnstiles by the winning club on a first come basis from 1pm. Anyone wishing to attend must be in the stadium before the turnstiles close at 2.15pm ahead of the arrival of the parade bus.