Edinburgh's Hogmanay '07

Torchlight Procession

from the Royal Mile to Calton Hill

29 December 2006

Edinburgh's torchlight procession, each year,  marks the start of the city's New Year Celebrations.  Despite predictions of rain and wind, the early evening was fine on 29 December 2006, with temperature about 10 degrees C.

Here are some photos from the event.

The procession began at 6.30pm at Parliament Square in the Royal Mile.  The procession then came down Bank Street, behind the floodlit Bank of Scotland Head Office in this picture. 

It was led by 'Vikings' from Lerwick's 'Up Helly Aa' celebrations, with their long ship, to be set alight the bonfire at the top of Calton Hill.

Torches were handed out by Lord Provost, Lesley Hinds and author, Irvine Welsh  -  £4 each for early bookings, £5 on the night.  There were estimated to be about 15,000 participants and spectators.

Part of the procession can just be seen on the extreme-right as it begins its journey down the Mound.

Edinburgh New Year Celebrations  -  Torchlight Procession  -  December 29, 2006 ©

At the foot of the Mound, the procession turned right into Princes Street. 

-  The first view looks to the west towards the West End of Princes Street as the procession turns from the Mound to Princes Street.

-  The second view is from the steps of the Royal Scottish Academy, as the procession passes the end of Hanover Street

Edinburgh New Year Celebrations  -  Torchlight Procession  -  December 29, 2006 ©    Edinburgh New Year Celebrations  -  Torchlight Procession  -  December 29, 2006 ©

These views look to the west along Princes Street as the procession approaches.   They are taken from the Edinburgh Wheel.

Edinburgh New Year Celebrations  -  Torchlight Procession  -  December 29, 2006 ©    Edinburgh New Year Celebrations  -  Torchlight Procession  -  December 29, 2006 ©    Edinburgh New Year Celebrations  -  Torchlight Procession  -  December 29, 2006 ©

The procession continued along Princes Street and Waterloo Place, then turned left up the road leading to the top of Calton Hill.

Edinburgh New Year Celebrations  -  Torchlight Procession  -  December 29, 2006 ©

At the top of the hill there was a bonfire, and the burning of a Willow Bear effigy.

Edinburgh New Year Celebrations  -  Torchlight Procession  -  December 29, 2006 ©    Edinburgh New Year Celebrations  -  Torchlight Procession  -  December 29, 2006 ©

The event ended with fireworks on Calton Hill.

Edinburgh New Year Celebrations  -  Torchlight Procession  -  December 29, 2006 ©    Edinburgh New Year Celebrations  -  Torchlight Procession  -  December 29, 2006 ©    Edinburgh New Year Celebrations  -  Torchlight Procession  -  December 29, 2006 ©

 

 

Edinburgh's Hogmanay

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