A MAJOR Hogmanay event has been cancelled due to poor weather.
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Torchlight Procession was cancelled by organisers on Sunday evening at the last minute after strong winds posed a risk to safety.
It comes as a series of weather warnings have been issued across the country.
A yellow warning for wind across the central belt and other parts of Scotland will be in place from Monday until 11pm on Hogmanay, while snow and rain warnings will remain in place from Monday until the bells.
We told how organisers previously said preparations were “well under way”, with staff “excited to welcome” the tens of thousands of visitors expected to flock to the capital in the coming days.
However, a few hours later, organisers announced the Torchlight Procession has now been cancelled.
Ticket holders will be contacted in due course with further instructions, and anyone who has already collected a torch at the Meadows has been asked to return them to event stewards.
Organisers plan to give a further update on Monday regarding the rest of the Hogmanay celebrations in the capital.
An Edinburgh’s Hogmanay spokesperson said: “Due to ongoing high winds at sections of the Torchlight Procession route, unfortunately tonight’s 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, and box office will be in touch with further instructions to ticket buyers.”
