Torchlight Procession lights up the city centre to start Edinburgh’s Hogmanay

The three days that make up Edinburgh’s Hogmanay got off to a fiery start last night with the Torchlight Procession from the High Street to Calton Hill culminating in the first of several fireworks displays.

Some of the Twitterati got great photos of the event too!

#Edinburgh #TorchlightProcession #hogmanay2014 @edinspotlight @EdinReporter @LoveEdinburgh pic.twitter.com/fIIAITzHwm

— *zoe* (@flowergirlzoe) December 31, 2014

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Awesome fireworks from the finale of the torchlight procession tonight. Good night all! #blogmanay #scotlandhour pic.twitter.com/FKVduGTlME

— Edinburgh’s Hogmanay (@edhogmanay) December 30, 2014

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The Vikings are the best part of @edhogmanay. Wonder if they need a shield maiden?! #blogmanay #imagelogger pic.twitter.com/CuW7FIABlK

— Kirsten Alana ✈️ (@KirstenAlana) December 31, 2014

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There were record pre-sales of torches this year, as 8,500 torches were sold out before the start of the procession.

Pete Irvine, Festival Director of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay said: “It’s great to start the three days of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay with such a fantastic crowd for the Torchlight Procession. We like to think that Edinburgh’s Hogmanay puts Scotland once again at the centre of the world map, and that the experiences that you will enjoy here are because you are in a beautiful city and in the best possible company – the famously friendly Scots. We look forward to welcoming 2015 by linking celebrations taking place across Scotland.”

The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, the Rt Hon Donald Wilson, said: “Every year, I am immensely proud that so many people choose to share their New Year with us, and for me the Torchlight Procession blazes the way for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations. This year’s Procession has supported Erskine, a charity that has been caring for Scotland’s servicemen and women since 1916. As we wave goodbye to 2014, the 100th year since the First World War, this seems to me a very fitting charity partner.”

Paul Bush, Chief Operating Officer of EventScotland said: “Edinburgh’s Hogmanay has once again started New Year celebrations around the world with the spectacular Torchlight Procession. EventScotland are proud to support the event which this year welcomes visitors from over 70 countries. A fitting close to an incredible 2014 which has seen a step change in how Scotland delivers major events.

Celebrations continue tonight with the world famous Street Party. Limited tickets are still available to join the Street Party and also Concert in the Gardens (Gardens tickets only). Organisers advise revellers to get tickets early to avoid disappointment. Tickets are available from the official box office, The Fringe Office, 180 High Street, Edinburgh from 10.00am tomorrow. Tickets for the Concert in the Gardens Enclosure, The Keilidh, The Candlelit Concert at St Giles’ Cathedral and registration for the New Year’s Day Scot:Lands event are all sold out. The Loony Dook on Thursday 1st January at South Queensferry is also sold out, but spectators are welcome.

Photos Chris Watt and Lloyd Smith