Scotland goalkeeper kicks off Hogmanay celebrations in Edinburgh
Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations officially began last night as Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon kicked off the city's iconic Torchlight Procession.
Article Source: Edinburgh’s Hogmanay
Last Updated: 30 December 2025 8:47
Image Credit: Ryan Buchanan
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations officially began last night as Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon kicked off the city’s iconic Torchlight Procession alongside Vikings from Shetland’s South Mainland Up Helly Aa’ Jarl Squad, officially igniting four days of New Year celebrations in the capital.
Fresh from an exhilarating year that saw Scotland’s national team qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026, Gordon’s appearance at the helm of the procession in his hometown marked a powerful moment of Scottish pride as 2025 draws to a close. The local hero and Hearts No.1 played a key role in Scotland securing their first World Cup place in 28 years in an action-packed game against Denmark, with the Tartan Army heading to the US in 2026 to take on the likes of Brazil, Morocco and more.
Over 15,000 participants and 10,000 spectators took part in the spectacular Torchlight Procession which is supported by presenting partners EventScotland, part of Visit Scotland, following Gordon’s lead and weaving a dramatic river of fire through Edinburgh’s historic Old Town in support of local and national charities, One City Trust, When You Wish Upon a Star Scotland, Simon Community Scotland and Age Scotland. £2 from each torch and £1 from every procession ticket sold is donated directly to make a difference in communities across Edinburgh and Scotland. Along with other ticket donations from Edinburgh’s Hogmanay events, the festival has already raised over £40,000 for the local charities and will continue to fundraise over the coming days.
The fiery festivities began in the Meadows, where participants of all ages enjoyed a host of entertainment including live street theatre, pipe bands and drummers. A firm favourite with families, locals and visitors alike, the Torchlight Procession is rooted in Celtic and Norse traditions aimed at banishing winter darkness and welcoming in the New Year.
Scotland International Craig Gordon was joined by Vikings from Shetland’s South Mainland Up Helly Aa’ Jarl Squad in guiding the crowd through the city, finishing with a fiery finale beneath Edinburgh Castle before revellers headed to the official Torchlight After Party at Assembly Rooms, hosted by BBC Scotland’s Vic Galloway, for a night of live music and DJs featuring Edinburgh bands Swim School, Waverley and Mogwai's Stuart Braithwaite.
The Torchlight Procession is the start of the world’s New Year celebrations, as well as Edinburgh’s four-day celebrations, with festivities running until 1 January. On 30 December, Assembly Rooms hosts a night of side-splitting comedy at Ho-Ho-Hogmanay, and a very special acoustic gig from Glasvegas, while Peat & Diesel headline the Night Afore Concert in West Princes Street Gardens, supported by RuMac and Levi Heron.
On the 31 December, 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 hosting Valtos, The Poozies and more. New Years Day will welcome First Footin’, the free, live music trail spanning the city’s 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 Nicola Sturgeon, as well as a day of free family fun at Sprogmanay.
Many events are already sold-out, so those looking to join the celebrations are advised to grab their tickets fast to avoid disappointment.
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2025/26 is supported by Principal Funding Partners City of Edinburgh Council and Major Event Partners the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund through Creative Scotland, and EventScotland, all working together to create spectacular Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations for Scotland.
The full Edinburgh’s Hogmanay line-up, as well tickets and set times, can be found at www.edinburghshogmanay.com
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