Euan McGrory: Edinburgh's Hogmanay has lost touch with its roots

Revellers enjoy Edinburgh's Hogmanay. Pic: Ian RutherfordRevellers enjoy Edinburgh's Hogmanay. Pic: Ian Rutherford
Revellers enjoy Edinburgh's Hogmanay. Pic: Ian Rutherford
Gathering for the Bells at the Tron Kirk with a hip flask. First footing the neighbours with a lump of coal.

Edinburgh can rightly claim to be the home of Hogmanay - but what now happens in the city centre on New Year’s Eve bears little resemblance to the Capital’s traditional celebrations.

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There is no doubt the Street Party has been a huge economic success for Edinburgh and Scotland. It is the centrepiece of celebrations that attract tourists spending an estimated £40 million a year.

But event organisers Underbelly are right to say the city has fallen out of love with it. To many Edinburgh residents, it holds precious little appeal - in fact the majority give the Street Party a pretty wide berth. Either they have done it and don’t see the need to go back - or see it as little more than a drunken rabble.

Today’s event has lost touch with its roots as an authentic gathering on the cobbles of the Royal Mile.

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The attempt to reconnect with the people of Edinburgh has to be welcomed. The suggestion of more family-friendly events earlier in the evening is sure to be popular.

And around midnight how about a concert in the newly refurbished Leith Theatre?