Scotland and Hearts goalkeeper, Craig Gordon, will kick off the Torchlight Procession on Monday evening.
Four days of the winter festival begins in the city centre as Edinburgh’s Hogmanay gets underway.
This year the weather looks fair, and should not get in the way of the annual celebrations which will involve more than 50 performers at a variety of city venues culminating in First Footin on New Year’s Day.
On Monday the celebrations begin with the Torchlight Procession which will commence with activity from 6pm and the procession stepping off at 7.30pm at Middle Meadow Walk. As the participants gather, there will be entertainment from live street theatre to fire performers and drummers.
The procession will be led by Craig Gordon acommpanied by Vikings from Shetland’s South Mainland Up Helly Aa’ Jarl Squad and the Massed Pipes & Drums. The spectacle comprises musicians along with the loud and photogenic Vikings, followed by more than 15,000 torchlight bearers, all creating a river of fire from the Meadows to just below Edinburgh Castle.
As well as being a visual opener for the city, there is a charitable arm with monies raised from the sale of torches for the Lord Provost’s charity, OneCity Trust, When You Wish Upon A Star, Age Scotland and Simon Community Scotland.
Plans for the next few days
The producers, Unique Assembly, represented by Director, Penny Dougherty, held a press conference on Monday morning to set out the details of what will be happening in the next few days to the media and were joined by Chief Superintendent David Robertson and Council Leader, Jane Meagher.
Cllr Meagher said: “Edinburgh’s Hogmanay has developed into this world-famous celebration in the last 50 years since I moved here. It is about Scotland, friendship and conviviality. It makes me extra proud to be a citizen of Edinburgh and to lead the City of Edinburgh Council.”
We asked about the cost and she said that in her view it is well worth the council backing the four day festival which attracts thousands to the city and which generates around £200 million for the local economy.
Chief Superintendent David Robertson, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh, said: “Shortly we will welcome tens of thousands of people onto the streets of Edinburgh once again to celebrate Hogmanay. For us it is a significant event. Police Scotland has a lot of experience in delivering significant events but we are not complacent and have been working on plans with our partners for months now. Our role is to deliver a safe and secure event. We want people to come and have fun, but we want them to be to do that in a safe way. So my main message is, think about how you’re going to get here and get home, and when you’re here, think about your safety and the safety of others. If you see anything suspicious, if you’re concerned about anything, please report it to a police officer, a member of staff or a steward
who might help you.”
Al Thomson, Director of Unique Assembly, told us about the weather. He said: “I’m not in charge of the weather. But thankfully, the weather is looking great, especially for tonight’s talk procession, which, again, is sold out. There’s a handful of torches left for this evening, so 15,000 people are going to kick start the four days of events.”
Last year’s event was cancelled at the last minute due to inclement weather.
The weather
The weather is important this year following last year’s last minute cancellation due to the windy and stormy conditions. The Met Office has issued a favourable weather forecast for the next few days when it is expected to be dry but cold so look out the thermals if you are coming to the festivities in the city centre over the next few days.
The Met Office says the weather will be – Mainly dry today.
Today: Mainly dry and cloudy, but some occasional brightness across the southwest this morning. Chance of a few light showers across East Lothian and the Borders. Cold. Maximum temperature 6 °C.
Tonight: The odd shower across the east this evening, otherwise it will be dry night. Clear periods will lead to some frost, widespread across the southwest. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
Tuesday: All parts will have a dry and cold day with some bright or sunny spells, but still some cloud across the east a times. Maximum temperature 3°C.
Outlook for Wednesday to Friday: Dry for most of Wednesday before showery rain spreads south later. Dry, bright and cold on Thursday and Friday with overnight sharp frosts.
Festival Director, Unique Assembly producers of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay. © 2025 Martin McAdam
Monday 29 December 2025
Torchlight Procession
When: 6pm – 8.30pm, Monday 29 December
Where: The Meadows
Tickets from £18 via www.edinburghshogmanay.com
The Torchlight Procession will kick off four days of festivities as a river of fire is woven through the capital’s streets, with torches carried in aid of local and national charities: One City Trust,When You Wish Upon A Star, Age ScotlandandSimon Community Scotland.
The Torchlight Procession will welcome over 15,000 torch bearers and friends from around the world to once again illuminate the capital’s historic Old Town. First gathering at The Meadows, guests will enjoy a host of entertainment fromlive street theatre to fire performers and drummers, getting everyone warmed-up before the Massed Pipes & Drums and Vikings from Shetland’s South Mainland Up Helly Aa’ Jarl Squad lead the iconic procession.
Vitamin C Club Night at Assembly Rooms
Who: Vic Galloway and Andy Wake, joined by Swim School, waverly and Stuart Braithwaite
When: 8.30pm, Monday 29 December
Where: Assembly Rooms, George Street
Tickets from £25 via www.edinburghshogmanay.com
Assembly Rooms will host a special opening-night takeover with Vic Galloway’s Vitamin C Club Night on 29 December, following the annual Torchlight Procession. Curated and hosted by BBC Radio Scotland’s Vic Galloway and Andy Wake (The Phantom Band), this spectacular night entertainment will feature live music from Edinburgh alt-rockers Swim School, local indie-rock band waverley. and a DJ set from Stuart Braithwaite of Mogwai fame, for non-stop dancin’, a night of rock’n’roll, psych, cosmic disco, soul, funk and rarities – and everyone is invited.
No fly zone
As part of the policing operation for the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, a temporary airspace restriction will be in place covering the city centre between 5pm on Monday, 29 December, to 1am on Tuesday, 30 December, 2025, for security and public safety.
It will be an offence for any unmanned aircraft to fly below 2,000 feet above sea level, and within one nautical mile of Edinburgh Castle.
