Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations cancelled as ‘excessive climate’ anticipated to trigger chaos

Scotland’s Hogmanay celebrations have been cancelled. ‘Extreme weather’ warnings have pulled the plug on Edinburgh’s world-renowned News Years Eve street party.

Outdoor events including the street party and fireworks display planned for December 30 and 31 have been cancelled due to bad weather, organisers said.

The announcement which will come as a devastating blow for all those who’ve travelled for Hogmanay comes after a particularly bleak weather forecast for much of Scotland,

A Met Office alert, which warns that flooding and travel disruption is likely, is in force from midnight until 5pm on Tuesday in Moray and the Highlands. A yellow weather warning of heavy rain and snow is currently in force across most of Scotland on Monday and Tuesday.

An Edinburgh’s Hogmanay spokesperson said: “Due to ongoing high winds and inclement weather in Edinburgh city centre, we regret to announce that outdoor events scheduled for tonight and December 31 are unable to go ahead on the grounds of public safety.

“The cancellation includes tonight’s night afore disco party in West Princes Street Gardens, and on the 31st December, the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay street party, concert in the gardens and the midnight fireworks from Edinburgh Castle. We have unfortunately been unable to continue with preparations and necessary set-up for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay outdoor events due to extreme weather and forecast conditions.

“Therefore, for safety reasons we, along with our event partners, have taken the difficult decision to cancel all outdoor events. We know that this will be hugely disappointing to all hoping to celebrate Hogmanay in Edinburgh and that people travel from around the world to be here at the home of Hogmanay. Customer service from point of purchase will be in touch with ticketholders directly with further instructions regarding refunds in due course.”

The spokesperson said all indoor events are taking place as planned.

Forecasters predict heavy rain will become persistent and widespread in Scotland during Monday and Tuesday with 50-70mm of rain possible over the two days in many areas while some places may see 100-140mm.

The Scottish Government Resilience Room (SGORR) has been activated in response to the weather warnings and authorities have advised people to plan ahead if travelling over the New Year period.

Douglas Cairns, Traffic Scotland operator manager at Transport Scotland, said: “The severe weather across much of Scotland this week will, unfortunately, cause some disruption across the transport network. Road, rail, air and ferry services are all likely to be affected by the conditions, with localised flooding, longer journey times and cancellations possible, as well as potential restrictions on bridges.
“The network is also expected to be busy as people travel to celebrate New Year with friends and family.”

Scottish Government officials will continue to monitor the situation and work with frontline agencies to mitigate the impact of the weather. First Minister John Swinney will attend a meeting of SGORR on Monday evening, which will be chaired by Justice Secretary Angela Constance.

Ms Constance said: “There is expected to be a significant amount of rainfall in the next 24 hours after a period of wet weather, raising the risks of travel disruption and flooding. New Year travellers are advised to plan ahead during this normally busy period and follow Police Scotland and Traffic Scotland advice on the roads.”