![\"Scotland](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/0_EdHogmanay_Torchlight-ProcessionCG_RyanBuchanan_001.jpg\")
Scotland keeper Craig Gordon kicked off the torchlight procession in the capital(Image: Ryan Buchanan)<\/p>\nThe Hearts No.1 was joined by Vikings from Shetland\u2019s South Mainland Up Helly Aa\u2019 Jarl Squad as they officially ignited four days of New Year celebrations in the city.<\/p>\n
09:22, 30 Dec 2025Updated 09:34, 30 Dec 2025<\/p>\n
Scotland keeper Craig Gordon kicked off the torchlight procession in the capital(Image: Ryan Buchanan)<\/p>\n
Scotland keeper Craig Gordon kicked off Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations<\/a> as the iconic Torchlight Procession took place in the capital on Monday night.<\/p>\n Fresh from an exhilarating year that saw us qualify for next year’s World Cup<\/a> in North America, Gordon\u2019s appearance at the helm of the procession in his hometown marked a powerful moment of national pride as 2025 draws to a close.<\/p>\n The Hearts<\/a> No.1 was joined by Vikings from Shetland\u2019s South Mainland Up Helly Aa\u2019 Jarl Squad as they officially ignited four days of New Year celebrations in the city.<\/p>\n The Torchlight Procession is rooted in Celtic and Norse traditions aimed at banishing winter darkness and welcoming in the New Year<\/a> and it marks the start of the world\u2019s celebrations, with festivities running until January 1.<\/p>\n Over 15,000 participants and 10,000 spectators took part in the spectacular event, following Gordon\u2019s lead and weaving a dramatic river of fire through the historic Old Town.<\/p>\n The party began in the Meadows<\/a>, where participants of all ages enjoyed a host of entertainment including live street theatre, pipe bands and drummers.<\/p>\n It then finished with a fiery finale beneath Edinburgh Castle before revellers headed to the official after party at Assembly Rooms, hosted by BBC Scotland\u2019s<\/a> Vic Galloway, for a night of live music and DJs.<\/p>\n On Tuesday, December 30, Assembly Rooms hosts a night of comedy at Ho-Ho-Hogmanay, and an acoustic gig from Glasvegas, while Peat & Diesel headline the Night Afore Concert in West Princes Street Gardens.<\/p>\n Then, on December 31, Wet Leg headline the iconic Concert in the Gardens, supported by Scottish stars Hamish Hawk and Lucia & The Best Boys, with 2manydjs and Valtos bringing the beats at the legendary Street Party alongside a traditional Scottish stage.<\/p>\n New Years Day will welcome First Footin\u2019, the free, live music trail spanning the city\u2019s Old and New Towns, as well as Muckle be the Light, a cultural recap with poet Michael Pederson, Garbage singer Shirley Manson and guest speaker, former first minister Nicola Sturgeon.<\/p>\n Many events<\/a> are already sold-out and those looking to join the celebrations are advised to grab their tickets fast.<\/p>\n Edinburgh\u2019s Hogmanay 2025\/26 is supported by Principal Funding Partners City of Edinburgh Council and Major Event Partners the Scottish Government\u2019s Festivals EXPO Fund through Creative Scotland, and EventScotland.<\/p>\n The Torchlight Procession event took place in support of local and national charities, One City Trust, When You Wish Upon a Star Scotland, Simon Community Scotland and Age Scotland. \u00a32 from each torch and \u00a31 from every procession ticket sold is donated directly, aiming to make a difference in communities across Edinburgh<\/a> and Scotland.<\/p>\n Along with other ticket donations from Edinburgh\u2019s Hogmanay events, the festival has already raised over \u00a340,000 for the local charities and will continue to fundraise over the coming days.<\/p>\n![\"Vikings](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/0_Torchlight-Edinburgh_6Credit-Ian-GeorgesonJPG.jpg\")
Vikings from Shetland\u2019s South Mainland Up Helly Aa\u2019 Jarl Squad officially ignited four days of New Year celebrations in the capital(Image: Ian Georgeson)<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/0_EdHogmanay_Torchlight-Procession_RyanBuchanan_032.jpg\")
The festivities began in the Meadows before heading through the capital(Image: Ryan Buchanan)<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/0_EdHogmanay_Torchlight-Procession_RyanBuchanan_024.jpg\")
The procession finished with a fiery finale beneath Edinburgh Castle(Image: Ryan Buchanan )<\/p>\n![\"Over](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/0_EdHogmanay_Torchlight-Procession_RyanBuchanan_020.jpg\")
Over 15,000 participants and 10,000 spectators took part in the spectacular event(Image: Ryan Buchanan)<\/p>\n