
Eurovison returns to the UK: Take a look at when Edinburgh hosted the Eurovision Song Contest in 1972
A number of UK cities are vying to host Eurovision 2023 after Ukraine, the most recent winners, cancelled plans to stage the event due to the ongoing war with Russia.
Edinburgh – which is twinned with the Ukrainian capital Kyiv – is the obvious choice as the venue for the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest, but Glasgow, Aberdeen, Sheffield, Leeds and Cardiff have also declared their interest.
Back in 1972, the eyes of the world were on Edinburgh as the Usher Hall hosted the much-loved song competition.
Representing the UK in 1972 were The New Seekers with the song Beg, Steal Or Borrow.
Up against 17 other countries, they were respectable runners-up to Luxembourg's Vicky Leandross, whose song Apres Toi garnered 128 points to the UK's 114.
Here are some highlights from the event in Edinburgh.
Representing the UK in 1972 were The New Seekers with the song Beg, Steal Or Borrow.
5. Change of venue
The original host for the 1972 Eurovision contest was meant to be Monaco, however they were unable to meet the demands of hosting the event - the BBC stepped in and the contest was staged in Edinburgh instead.
Photo: BBC
6. How the castle got involved
The interval act for the 1972 contest was performed outside the vast Esplanade of the Great Hall of Edinburgh Castle.
Photo: BBC
7. UK entry
The new seekers sang Beg, Steal or Borrow, and landed the UK in second place.
Photo: BBC
8. Ireland
The Irish entry, Sandie Jones, sung Ceol An Ghra in the Irish language, and according to the Eurovision website, it remains until now the only song ever sung in Irish in the history of the song contest.
Photo: BBC