Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Torchlight Procession has been cancelled amid a series of weather warnings just two hours before it was due to get started.
The traditional torchlight procession through the Old Town was scuppered after safety tests on torches were carried out along the route.
Organisers quoted public safety grounds for the decision to call off the event which was due to start four days of festivities in the city.
Around 20,000 people were expected to attend the parade from the Meadows to Castle Terrace.
The procession has been a staple of the Hogmanay festival since it was launched more than 30 years and was due to run from 7.30pm till 9pm.
Heavy rain and strong winds are expected in Edinburgh on the lead up to the official street party on Hogmanay.
The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for strong winds, heavy rain and snow across the UK for the next few days.
An announcement from the Hogmanay festival said: “Due to ongoing high winds at sections of the Torchlight Procession route, unfortunately the event is unable to go ahead on the grounds of public safety.
“The safety of all attending is our top priority and following recent torch tests on the route, the winds are proving too strong to proceed safely.
“We know that this will be hugely disappointing to all who wished to participate. For those who have collected torches, please deposit these with event stewards as you leave the Meadows. The box office will be in touch with further instructions to ticket-buyers.”
Speaking before the procession cancellation, Al Thomson, director of Unique Events, co-producers of the Hogmanay festival, said extensive safety tests were planned with the torches due to be used for the event.
He added: “The variations in the weather along the route completely changes. It’s not just a case of looking at a specific forecast. We will be monitoring things along the route throughout the day to make sure things are safe.”
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