Edinburgh Hogmanay celebrations cancelled

Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations have been cancelled due to concerns over "extreme weather".

Organisers said high winds would force all outdoor events taking place on Monday and Tuesday to be scrapped, including the Hogmanay concert in Princes Street Gardens by the band Texas.

The city's street party and fireworks display have also been cancelled on public safety grounds after the Met Office issued yellow warnings for wind and rain on Tuesday.

Wind speeds on Sunday had already led to the cancellation of the traditional Torchlight Procession, which usually kicks off the Hogmanay events.

Unique Assembly, which runs the festival on behalf of City of Edinburgh Council, said it had taken the decision in the interest of public safety.

The firm said ticketholders would be contacted with instructions on how to claim refunds.

A spokesperson said: "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."

Posting on social media, Texas wrote: "Unfortunately, tomorrow's gig has been cancelled due to the weather.

"We hope everyone stays safe and has a great New Year when it comes."

Amber Newton and husband Richard said they had saved for five years to travel from the United States for the celebrations this year with their two children, aged 16 and 13.

They spent 22 hours travelling from Atlanta to take part in the Torchlight Procession on Sunday only for it to be cancelled as they stood in line with their torches.

Amber told BBC Radio Scotland's Drivetime programme she was "devastated" to learn the street party had also been called off.

"It broke my husband's heart. Edinburgh is beautiful, we are having a great time, but for us, this is our big thing that we save for. I'm a school librarian, I work the summer, all of our money goes into this," she said.

"This is the New Year's Eve festival of the world. We saved, we got our torchlight ticket, our street party tickets.

"We would love to just go somewhere jovial. On New Year's Eve, the whole world is celebrating with you and to be with thousands of people is huge and the idea that we might just be alone."

Indoor events, including the Idlewild concert at the Assembly Rooms and candlelit concert at St Giles' Cathedral, are scheduled to go ahead as planned.

Those taking place on New Year's Day are also still expected to take place.

City of Edinburgh Council leader Jane Meagher said: "I know that, like me, many people will be very disappointed. This decision was not taken lightly, however with the ongoing adverse weather condition, public safety must be our number one priority.

"Please make sure you stay up-to-date with the weather and transport on social media."

Unique Assembly director Al Thomson said he was "deeply disappointed" to have to cancel the events, but told the Drivetime programme it was necessary to keep people safe.

"We want the world to come and celebrate in Edinburgh, but I think that everyone has seen the weather we have had and the weather that is forecast over the next couple of days," he said.

"This is a decision nobody takes lightly, but in light of the weather last night and today, it was a fairly easy decision in terms of the information we have.

"On the grounds of safety and keeping everyone safe, it was the right decision to make."

Ch Supt David Robertson said: "Cancelling such an event was a difficult decision for the organisers, but public safety takes priority, so we fully support this decision."

The Hogmanay celebrations have previously been cancelled due to adverse weather in 2003 and 2006.

The Met Office yellow rain and snow warning extends from central Scotland to the north of the country.

Forecasters said the weather warnings could lead to difficult driving conditions, disruption to public transport, power outages and homes being cut off.

There is also an amber warning in the Highlands, stretching from Inverness to Fort William, from midnight until 17:00 on Tuesday.

Transport Scotland said restrictions on use of some bridges may come into force over the next 24 hours.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance is also due to lead a meeting of the Scottish government's resilience room later.