Expanded Hospital at Home services, a public awareness campaign and targeted investment to reduce waiting lists are all part of a newly-unveiled health preparedness plan for winter.
A collective effort is critical in the months ahead to ease pressures on the NHS, Health Secretary Angela Constance said as she launched the new national winter health plan.
In a statement to the Scottish Parliament, the Health Secretary set out several actions to provide guidance to health and social care systems ahead of winter, including:
an increased focus on community care, with over 10,000 patients benefiting from an expansion of Hospital at Home service
a Home First approach to healthcare
a new public awareness campaign to help people access the right care, in the right place, at the right time which will launch at the end of October
renewed calls for eligible patients to get vaccinated against seasonal viruses – including flu – which hospitalised almost 6,700 people last winter
winter-specific planned care funding from the £90 million announced earlier this year to reduce waiting lists for operations and procedures
further implementation of a new national plan to improve the flow of patients through hospital and free up bed capacity.
Ms Constance said: “A collective effort will be critical in the months ahead as we look to support our NHS through the winter. There is a role for everyone in Scotland to play.
“Seasonal illnesses, including flu, are already beginning to circulate, and I encourage everyone who is eligible to come forward for vaccination when invited. Last winter, almost 5,000 adults and 1,700 children in Scotland were hospitalised as a result of flu. Getting vaccinated protects you and those around you.
“It’s also important people know how and where to access care. Attendances at A&E remain extremely high, and many people could be treated more appropriately in services closer to home.
“A&E should be used for emergencies. Choosing the right service can help people receive advice and treatment more quickly while ensuring emergency care remains available for those who need it most.”
Producers of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council, todayannounced a feast of spectacular events taking place across the 4-day festival, including the return of the iconic Torchlight Procession to welcome the arrival of 2027.
Plus, new for 2026, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay will present a programme of music, comedy and events in McEwan Hall including Scots trad stars Blazin’ Fiddles, Julie Fowlis and Karen Matheson, as well as the return of ‘Muckle Be The Light’ with Michael Pedersen welcoming Charlotte Church, Gordon Buchanan and more for a special in-conversation and music New Year’s Day event.
Torchlight Procession plus Edinburgh Hogmanay Festival Club shows at McEwan Hall on sale from 12pm Friday 9 October – viawww.edinburghshogmanay.com.
On Tuesday 29 December, the Torchlight Procession, supported by presenting partner VisitScotland, will once again light up the capital to kick start New Year celebrations around the world, whilst raising over £25,000 for charity.
An annual sell-out which welcomes 15,000 participants and 10,000 spectators to Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, £2 from each torch and £1 from every procession ticket sold is donated directly to the charities making a difference across Edinburgh and Scotland, this year including: One City Trust,When You Wish Upon A Star, My Name’5 Doddie & Street Assist.
Renowned for kicking off New Year celebrations around the world, the Torchlight Procession supported by presenting partner VisitScotland, marks the start of four days of festivities in Scotland as a river of fire is weaved through Edinburgh, with torches carried by residents and tourists alike.
Gathering in The Meadows, guests will enjoy a host of entertainment from live street theatre to fire performers and drummers and music, with Shetland’s South Mainland Up Helly Aa’ Jarl Squad Vikings and pipe bands guiding the crowds throughout the city.
Rob Dickson, Director of Industry and Events at VisitScotland, said: “The Torchlight Procession is such a special event, and we’re thrilled to support it once again. Hogmanay is a defining moment in Edinburgh’s winter calendar, bringing communities and visitors together to celebrate the new year while showcasing the city’s rich culture and traditions.
“Edinburgh’s Hogmanay forms part of a wider portfolio of events and festivals aimed to attract visitors across the winter season, helping to support Scotland’s development as a year-round destination.”
Councillor Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener, said:“The Torchlight Procession is always a striking sight as thousands of people make their way through the city’s streets – it’s a real highlight of the festive period.
“It also raised vital funds for four wonderful charities and has become a firm favourite with residents and visitors alike. I’m sure it will once again be a great way to star Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations.”
Plus, new for 2026’s celebrations, Edinburgh venue McEwan Hall will transform into the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Festival Club to host a range of live Scottish music, comedy, ceilidh and in-conversation events across the festival.
The iconic Old Town venue will host celebrations including a new Torchlight Procession Opening Event on 29 December, featuring a showcase of Scotland: award-winning Scottish fiddle band Blazin’ Fiddles, Pipe Bands, and the South Mainland Up Helly Aa’ Vikings warming-up audiences ahead of the Procession.
Following the Torchlight Procession revellers can return to McEwan Hall for a rousing Opening Night Concert where one of the most celebrated and best-loved acts of the Scottish music scene Blazin’ Fiddles host a night of high-energy music along with special guest vocalist Karen Matheson; lead singer of Capercaillie and one of Scotland’s foremost Gaelic singers, who will join the fiddle band for a storming night of music.
On Wednesday 30 December at McEwan Hall, multi-award-winning singer and musician Julie Fowlis & Band will be visiting Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, comprising of musicians Éamon Doorley,Michael McGoldrick, Tony Byrne and Duncan Chisholm. 2026 has seen Julie celebrate 25 years as a professional musician, and look back on 21 years since her first album Mar a Tha Mo Chridhe (As My Heart Is). Deeply influenced by her upbringing in the Hebrides and Highlands, Julie has become one of Scotland’s most celebrated cultural voices.
Julie Fowlis said: “It’s always a joy to be in our capital city, but it’s particularly special to be performing as part of our world-famous Hogmanay celebrations. Come along and join us!”
Closing the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations in McEwan Hall is the return of last year’s sell-out event ‘Muckle Be The Light’ on New Year’s Day.
Join Edinburgh’s Makar (Poet Laureate) Michael Pedersen and an all-star cast of guests for a cultural chat show come performance extravaganza. This lustrous mix includes: multi-million selling musical artist, activist, Welsh icon, and steward of the land, Charlotte Church. Plus double Sunday Times bestselling author and poetry superstar, Hollie McNish. With a serving of wildlife royalty, care of prize-winning TV presenter and camera man extraordinaire, Gordon Buchanan MBE.
Expect an exceptional evening of blether, songs & brawness to start 2027!
In addition to the Torchlight Procession, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay will host The Fratellis and special guests at the Night Afore Party on 30 December in West Princes Street Gardens.
In a first for the ‘Home of Hogmanay’, a special Midnight Moment will be designed to a live soundtrack by Underworld from West Princes Street Gardens on 31 December, featuring the world-famous fireworks from Edinburgh Castle, spectacular lights and projections to create an unmissable moment for 50,000 partygoers as they welcome in the New Year.
Produced by Unique Assembly on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay culminates on New Year’s Day with a free and ticketed programme of music across the city at First Footin’. Amidst the celebrations are outdoor concerts, indoor ceilidhs, comedy shows and traditional Scottish celebrations for kids and families.
Tickets for Torchlight Procession priced from £22 including torches, booking fees and charity donation, Hogmanay Festival Club @ McEwan Hall tickets priced from £27.50 including booking fees and Muckle Be The Light priced from £27.50 including booking fees – available at www.edinburghshogmanay.com from Friday 9 October.
Tickets for Hogmanay in the Gardens, headlined by Underworld, the world-famous Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party and more are on sale via www.edinburghshogmanay.com.
Hogmanay in the Gardens tickets priced from £79.00 including booking fees & £1.00 charity donation.
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2026/7 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 VisitScotland, all working together to create spectacular Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations for Scotland.
Children from Granton Primary school have put together a colourful exhibition of their artwork to mark the 30th anniversary of the Old and New Towns World Heritage Site in Edinburgh.
The birthday celebration commemorating three decades since the Site was inscribed by UNESCO in 1995 has been used as inspiration for 28 artworks beautifully painted and mounted by the pupils themselves.
They feature historic landmarks and buildings such as Edinburgh Rooftops, The Royal Mile, White Horse Close, the Mercat Cross and many more.
The class of primary four pupils worked with local artist Stephanie Walker on their ‘Imagine if…’ project. Stephanie helped the children put together artwork using the Old Town to help spark excitement and curiosity for the world around us. The aim of the project is to create a connection and a sense of wonder for the valuable heritage Edinburgh is so famous for.
The exhibition is to open in the Museum of Edinburgh running from Saturday 10 October until Sunday 10 January next year.
Local artist Stephanie Walker said:“It’s so exciting to see the ‘Imagine if…’ project come together. It’s about to open now and the children are so excited to see their work professionally displayed.
“They put so much hard work into their designs and final paintings following a series of art sessions to help them imagine and create their work.
“We visited the World Heritage Site twice and the children brainstormed and shared ideas about what they had seen. They used the areas historic features such as the cobbled streets and listed buildings as visual aids to start their paintings. After some time sketching they all settled on their favourite scene. They should be so proud of the colourful and vibrant work they have created.”
Cllr Joan Griffiths Planning Convener said:“I’m really looking forward to seeing this project brought to life in the Museum of Edinburgh in the heart of the city’s World Heritage Site.
“The children have put so much effort into the paintings we are going to display. ‘Imagine if…’ is both creative and educational as it has allowed the pupils from a different area of the city to use art to help bring to life different aspects of the World Heritage Site such as the buildings and skylines that they find inspirational.
“It is important that we preserve our World Heritage Site for future generations and I’m hoping this experience, seeing their work so beautifully displayed, means they will remember it and will value passing on their knowledge about what they have learned about how special the site is to others in the future.”
Entries will be grouped into twelve categories, each celebrating a particular value of Scotland’s capital city. The winning photograph in each category will become part of a year-long calendar, which will be sold on Historic Scotland sites and at Edinburgh World Heritage events to raise money for the Trust.
The over-all winner will take pride of place on the front cover of the calendar and will receive a one-year membership for Historic Scotland, who run top-rated visitor attractions all over the country.
Captions for the artwork in the exhibition
Edinburgh Rooftops
Sima
In class I enjoyed learning about old people from Auld Reekie, especially the caddies.
The Fantastic Royal Mile
Jumana
I liked how we could decorate our art folders and draw fascinating artefacts like statues and paintings.
The Mercat Cross
Georgia
My favourite artefact in the museum was the sedan chair because it was interesting learning about who would travel in it.
The Adventures of Auld Reekie
Sophia
Thank you for helping me with the amazing art project. I liked the ancient artefacts because they were marvellous.
Edinburgh World
Nicolas
Thank you for helping me with my art. I liked the Royal Mile.
Nelson’s Sedan Chairs
Andikan
My favourite part was when we looked at Canongate Kirk because there was a place where we could sketch the Nelson Monument.
White Horse Close
Mason
Thank you for inviting my class to the Museum of Edinburgh. It was a splendid time. I loved learning about the artefacts.
The Skyline of Edinburgh
Jasiu
My favourite part about the art project was the Gelli printing and the acetate.
Auld Reekie Buildings
Ava
On the trips to the museum I loved exploring the incredible objects and sketching them because I found them remarkable and fascinating.
The Royal Mile
Isabella
My favourite thing to do at the museum was when we were sketching someone or something.
The Great Firework Party
Amelia
My favourite artefacts are the stag’s head, the Greyfriars Bobby statue and the Great Fire picture. I’m very proud and happy with my work.
The Oldest Building in Town
Julia
My favourite artefact to learn about was Greyfriars Bobby because it’s impressive he sat on his owner’s grave for 14 years!
The Grand Colour
Prerak
It was amazing to visit the Museum of Edinburgh. It was wonderful exploring and I enjoyed learning about Auld Reekie. It was so fun.
The Sunset in Edinburgh
Sammy
It was delightful to visit the Museum of Edinburgh on the Royal Mile. I liked learning about Auld Reekie.
Hidden Edinburgh
Isla
Thank you for helping us with art. In class I liked painting on the Gelli mat.
The Castle Wall and Bakehouse Close
Liam
In class I liked the drawing and acetate and Gelli printing. Thanks for taking us to the Museum of Edinburgh.
Fireworks at the Royal Mile
Jake
I was very excited to go to the Museum of Edinburgh but my favourite part was when we did the sketching.
The Golden Castle and Tower
Lily
My favourite artefact was Greyfriars Bobby because he is very cute and adorable. I love Greyfriars Bobby!
Golden Old Reekie
Joey
Thank you for inviting our class to be part of the impressive art project. It was remarkable to visit the Museum of Edinburgh.
Beautiful Edinburgh
Ellie
Thank you for letting us do the activities. I felt proud and happy.
Auld Reekie City
Tony
My favourite part was when we did the Gelli printing. In class I liked the rolling because it was satisfying.
