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. <strong>_________________</strong> <strong>Read more:</strong> <strong><a href="https://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/here-s-what-airbnb-apartments-with-views-of-the-burj-khalifa-are-going-for-new-year-s-eve-1.807230">Here's what Airbnb apartments with views of the Burj Khalifa are going for New Year's Eve</a></strong> <strong><a href="https://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/10-exciting-new-year-s-eve-parties-in-the-uae-to-attend-this-year-1.806098">10 exciting New Year’s Eve parties in the UAE to attend this year</a></strong> <strong><a href="https://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/new-year-s-eve-parties-where-to-ring-in-2019-in-the-uae-1.801858">Where to ring in 2019 in the UAE</a></strong> <strong><a href="https://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/food/flipping-eck-dubai-mall-five-guys-charging-dh1-500-for-new-year-s-eve-burger-dinner-1.807001">Flipping 'eck: Dubai Mall Five Guys charging Dh1,500 for New Year's Eve burger dinner</a></strong> <strong>______________</strong>