In pictures: Hogmanay kicks off with flames in Edinburgh

Thousands have taken to the streets for the Scottish celebrations.

The National
Dec 31, 2018
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The Scottish new year celebration of Hogmanay has kicked off in Edinburgh with a spectacular torchlight procession.

The procession along the city's Royal Mile marked the official start of the annual tradition and sees bagpipes, dances and fire-laden activities taking place in the streets.

Scots are given the first two days of the year as a public holiday, and celebrations officially close with the Message from the Skies celebration on 25 January.

This year's Hogmanay celebrations will mark ties between Scotland and Europe, as the March deadline for Brexit looms. Organisers have reported a boost in ticket sales from EU nations for this year's celebration.

As well as making a nod to Europe in the procession theme, young people were also included as part of the 2018 Year of the Young People. Fourteen wicker sculptures, designed by young people, adorned the procession route, and others played instruments, danced and took part in other festivities.

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