IT’S GROUND HOGMANAY
Capital’s party given same billing
Hogmanay revellers will get a feeling of deja vu when they toast the bells in Edinburgh.
Organisers have decided to call the capital’s world-famous knees-up Hogmanay 19 – despite it getting the exact same billing 12 months ago.
But Underbelly, the f irm behind the street party expected to attract 150,000 people, assured visitors it’s just a rebranding and not a case of Ground Hogmanay.
A spokeswoman said: “We inherited the event being numbered with the incoming year.
“But as the event is Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, and the 31st is the focal moment in Scotland, we wanted to ref lect the location of this event and cal l each celebration after the year on which Hogmanay is.
“So yes, last year and this year are Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 19 while we transfer over.
“Next year will be Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 20.”
Meanwhile, forecasters gave partygoers the outlook they were hoping for.
The Met Office said Scotland will experience dry conditions on Hogmanay.
However, revellers have been advised to wrap up warm as temperatures will drop to about 6C under the clear skies.
The Hogmanay celebrations in Edinburgh are set to generate £ 39.2million for the economy.
Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s di rector of events , said :
“Scotland’s world-famous Hogmanay celebrations are a massive draw to those seeking to bring in the New Year in style.
“From firework displays to street parties, live music to spectacular i l luminated walks, Scotland offers the perfect stage to celebrate the New Year.”