EDINBURGH Hogmanay revellers have been warned to avoid the city centre unless they are going to an indoor venue following a severe weather warning.
People have been urged to steer clear of the heart of the capital following the cancellation of the planned outdoor events, including the castle fireworks and street party.
The Hogmanay festival, which is produced by Unique Events and Assembly on behalf of the Edinburgh City Council, stressed in a statement that all the outdoor events are cancelled and that indoor events and many pubs and clubs are ticketed.
The announcement added that people should “dress for the weather” if they are planning to head to the city centre amid the forecast for strong winds and heavy rain.
The festival organisers also alerted revellers that temporary road closures, which were due to affect much of the city centre, have not been put in place due to the cancellations.
The festival announcement said: “It will be a wet and windy night so dress for the weather.
“Many pubs and clubs require tickets for entry, so check in advance for availability and ticket requirements.
“Plan your travel in advance and remember to stay safe and look after each other.
“We want to reiterate, there will be no midnight fireworks from Edinburgh Castle.
“People are advised not to visit the city centre unless they are attending an event or venue.
“The temporary road closures that were planned for tonight have not been implemented. Free trams will still be running as planned.”
Organisers for the Hogmanay events, along with Edinburgh City Council and Police Scotland, said on Monday they had to take the “difficult decision” to cancel all outdoor events on December 30 and 31 due to safety concerns because of the severe weather forecast.
The news of the cancellation followed a series of weather warnings that have been issued across Scotland.
A yellow warning for wind across the central belt and other parts of Scotland is in place from Monday until 11pm on Hogmanay, while snow and rain warnings will remain in place from Monday until the bells.
A separate message posted by the city council on Tuesday stated: “As we prepare to ring in the New Year, please be aware that unfortunately due to ongoing weather conditions, there will be no outdoor Hogmanay events taking place tonight, which includes the fireworks from Edinburgh Castle.
“The weather forecast predicts wet and windy conditions, so if you’re heading out in the city, please plan ahead and stay informed on weather and transport updates to ensure a safe night.”
