Festival will be a warmer this winter

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop was joined by youngster Katie Marshall, seven, as she celebrated the launch of Scotland’s Winter Festivals at Edinburgh’s Camera Obscura.

Ms Hyslop hailed Scotland’s winter festivals for both boosting the country’s economy and bringing “sparkle” to dark winter nights.

The celebrations get under way on St Andrew’s Day and take in Hogmanay, finishing on Burns Night.

Ms Hyslop said: “We know that Scotland’s festivals make a significant contribution to our economy.

“They showcase Scotland internationally and entice people from home and abroad to explore our incredible country.”