New library opening hours to be introduced next month

EARLIER CLOSING AND CHANGED HOURS FOR CITY LIBRARIES

On 30 November 2026 we’re changing our opening hours so that more people across the city can use our library services.

Public library opening hours

We’re changing our opening hours so that more people across the city can use our library services. These changes will take place on 30 November 2026.

The opening times are based on feedback from residents, people who use our libraries, our colleagues who work there and information on how and when our libraries are used.

More information about the background to these can be found at Edinburgh Future Libraries strategy 2025 to 2030 – The City of Edinburgh Council

The new opening hours for libraries will be:

Balerno Library

Monday: 10am to 7pm
Tuesday: 10am to 5pm
Wednesday: 10am to 7pm
Thursday: closed
Friday: 10am to 5pm
Saturday: 10am to 4pm

Balgreen Library

Monday: 10am to 7pm
Tuesday: 10am to 5pm
Wednesday: 10am to 7pm
Thursday: closed
Friday: 10am to 5pm
Saturday: 10am to 4pm

Blackhall Library

Monday: 10am to 7pm (currently 10 – 8)
Tuesday: 10am to 5pm (currently 10 – 8)
Wednesday: 10am to 7pm (currently 10 – 8)
Thursday: 10am to 5pm
Friday: 10am to 5pm
Saturday: 10am to 4pm (currently 10 -5)

Central Library

Monday: 10am to 7pm
Tuesday: 10am to 7pm
Wednesday: 10am to 7pm
Thursday: 10am to 5pm
Friday: 10am to 5pm
Saturday: 10am to 4pm

Colinton Library

Monday: 10am to 7pm
Tuesday: 10am to 5pm
Wednesday: 10am to 7pm
Thursday: closed
Friday: 10am to 5pm
Saturday: 10am to 4pm

Corstorphine Library

Monday: 10am to 7pm (currently 1- 8pm)
Tuesday: 10am to 5pm
Wednesday: 10am to 7pm (currently 1 – 8pm)
Thursday: 10am to 5pm
Friday: 10am to 5pm
Saturday: 10am to 4pm (currently 10 – 5pm)

Craigmillar Library

Monday: 10am to 7pm
Tuesday: 10am to 5pm
Wednesday: 10am to 7pm
Thursday: 10am to 5pm
Friday: 10am to 5pm
Saturday: 10am to 4pm

Currie Library

Monday: 10am to 7pm
Tuesday: 10am to 5pm
Wednesday: 10am to 7pm
Thursday: 10am to 5pm
Friday: 10am to 5pm
Saturday: 10am to 4pm

Drumbrae Library Hub

Monday: 10am to 7pm
Tuesday: 10am to 5pm
Wednesday: 10am to 7pm
Thursday: 10am to 5pm
Friday: 10am to 5pm
Saturday: 10am to 4pm

Fountainbridge Library

Monday: 10am to 7pm
Tuesday: 10am to 5pm
Wednesday: 10am to 7pm
Thursday: 10am to 5pm
Friday: 10am to 5pm
Saturday: 10am to 4pm

Gilmerton Library

Monday: 10am to 7pm
Tuesday: 10am to 5pm
Wednesday: 10am to 7pm
Thursday: closed
Friday: 10am to 5pm
Saturday: 10am to 4pm

Granton Library

Monday: 10am to 7pm (currently 1 – 8pm)
Tuesday: 10am to 5pm
Wednesday: 10am to 7pm (currently 1 – 8pm)
Thursday: closed
Friday: 10am to 5pm
Saturday: 10am to 4pm (currently 10 – 2pm)

Kirkliston Library

Monday: 10am to 7pm
Tuesday: 10am to 5pm
Wednesday: 10am to 7pm
Thursday: closed
Friday: 10am to 5pm
Saturday: 10am to 4pm

Leith Library

Monday: 10am to 7pm (currently 10 – 8pm)
Tuesday: 10am to 5pm (currently 10 – 8pm)
Wednesday: 10am to 7pm (currently 10 -8pm)
Thursday: 10am to 5pm
Friday: 10am to 5pm
Saturday: 10am to 4pm (currently 10 – 5pm)

McDonald Road Library

Monday: 10am to 7pm
Tuesday: 10am to 5pm
Wednesday: 10am to 7pm
Thursday: 10am to 5pm
Friday: 10am to 5pm
Saturday: 10am to 4pm

Moredun Library

Monday: 10am to 7pm
Tuesday: 10am to 5pm
Wednesday: 10am to 7pm
Thursday: 10am to 5pm
Friday: 10am to 5pm
Saturday: 10am to 4pm

Morningside Library

Monday: 10am to 7pm
Tuesday: 10am to 5pm
Wednesday: 10am to 7pm
Thursday: 10am to 5pm
Friday: 10am to 5pm
Saturday: 10am to 4pm

Muirhouse Library

Monday: 10am to 7pm (currently 8pm)
Tuesday: 10am to 5pm (currently 8pm)
Wednesday: 10am to 7pm (currently 8pm)
Thursday: 10am to 5pm
Friday: 10am to 5pm
Saturday: 10am to 4pm (currently 5pm)

Newington Library

Monday: 10am to 7pm
Tuesday: 10am to 5pm
Wednesday: 10am to 7pm
Thursday: 10am to 5pm
Friday: 10am to 5pm
Saturday: 10am to 4pm

Oxgangs Library

Monday: 10am to 7pm
Tuesday: 10am to 5pm
Wednesday: 10am to 7pm
Thursday: 10am to 5pm
Friday: 10am to 5pm
Saturday: 10am to 4pm

Piershill Library

Monday: 10am to 7pm
Tuesday: 10am to 5pm
Wednesday: 10am to 7pm
Thursday: 10am to 5pm
Friday: 10am to 5pm
Saturday: 10am to 4pm

Portobello Library

Monday: 10am to 7pm
Tuesday: 10am to 5pm
Wednesday: 10am to 7pm
Thursday: 10am to 5pm
Friday: 10am to 5pm
Saturday: 10am to 4pm

Ratho Library

Monday: 10am to 7pm
Tuesday: 10am to 5pm
Wednesday: 10am to 7pm
Thursday: 10am to 5pm
Friday: 10am to 5pm
Saturday: 10am to 4pm

Sighthill Library

Monday: 10am to 7pm
Tuesday: 10am to 5pm
Wednesday: 10am to 7pm
Thursday: closed
Friday: 10am to 5pm
Saturday: 10am to 4pm

South Neighbourhood Office and Library

Monday: 10am to 4pm
Tuesday: 10am to 4pm
Wednesday: 10am to 4pm
Thursday: 10am to 4pm
Friday: 10am to 3.45pm
Saturday: closed

South Queensferry Library

Monday: 10am to 7pm
Tuesday: 10am to 5pm
Wednesday: 10am to 7pm
Thursday: 10am to 5pm
Friday: 10am to 5pm
Saturday: 10am to 4pm

Stockbridge Library

Monday: 10am to 7pm (currently 1 – 8pm)
Tuesday: 10am to 5pm
Wednesday: 10am to 7pm (currently 1 – 8pm)
Thursday: 10am to 5pm
Friday: 10am to 5pm
Saturday: 10am to 4pm (currently 10 -5pm)

Wester Hailes Library

Monday: 10am to 7pm
Tuesday: 10am to 5pm
Wednesday: 10am to 7pm
Thursday: 10am to 5pm
Friday: 10am to 5pm
Saturday: 10am to 4pm.

Edinburgh_Future_Libraries_Strategy_June25 Download

Police: Joint enforcement action in City Centre

CLAMPDOWN ON ILLEGAL USE OF ELECTRIC BIKES

Yesterday, Edinburgh City Centre Policing Unit worked alongside Home Office Immigration Officers to tackle the illegal use of electric bikes.

The operation resulted in 7 illegal e-bikes seized riders charged with 20 offences. Two immigration matters were also identified and are being dealt with separately by the Home Office.

We’ll continue working with partners to improve road safety, tackle offending and keep our communities safe.

#VehicleCrimeEdinburgh

Edinburgh’s Garden of Remembrance opens as Scottish Poppy Appeal 2026 launches

Senior Armed Forces personnel joined Robert Aldridge, the Right Honourable Lord Provost of Edinburgh to pay tribute at the opening of the city’s Garden of Remembrance today (Saturday, 24^th October).

They honoured the sacrifices made by servicemen and women past and present at the Garden of Remembrance at Princes Street Gardens, highlighting the continued importance of remembrance and wearing a poppy.

The official opening marks the launch of the Scottish Poppy Appeal this week, by Poppyscotland’s youngest volunteer Ava Mitchell (11) and beneficiaries of the charity, with volunteer collectors hitting the streets and supermarkets across the country over the coming weeks.

Photo caption:- National Colours are dropped during the 2 minute silence

Photo caption:- Rear Admiral Mark Beverstock laid the Royal British Legion wreath.

Dr Claire Armstrong, Chief Executive of Royal British Legion Scotland, said: “The Garden of Remembrance ceremony is an important event in our calendar of Remembrance activities.

“I hope that residents and visitors to Edinburgh will take the chance to visit the Garden of Remembrance over the next few weeks to reflect and pay their own tributes.”

Photo caption:- Royal British Legion Parade Marshall Tony Hooman along with Area Standard Bearer Billy Morrison (R) and National Standard Bearer Paul Cooper (L) pay their respects at the grave of the Unknown soldier.

Reverend Dr Karen Campbell, National Chaplain of Royal British Legion Scotland, led a short Service of Remembrance, with readings by the Lord Provost and Rear Admiral Mark Beverstock, National President of Royal British Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland, with music by the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

Wreaths were laid by the Lord Provost, Rear Admiral Mark Beverstock, Brigadier Andy Muddiman ADC RM, Royal Navy, Jamie Hepburn, Minister for Parliamentary Business and Veterans, Scottish Government, General Officer Scotland, Major General Nick Thomas CBE, British Army, Leanne Bonner, Head of Scotland at Poppyscotland, Sqn Ldr Scottie Rankin, Officer Commanding 603 (City of Edinburgh RAuxAF) Squadron, Royal Air Force, representatives of veterans’ organisations, and members of the emergency services.

The Scottish Poppy Appeal is Scotland’s biggest fundraising appeal, with more than three million poppies being distributed around the country.

People can find out more or support the appeal by visiting www.poppyscotland.org.uk.

Weather Warning: Sunday Closures

Following the Met Office warning for high winds and rain, we’ll be closing Princes Street Gardens, Lauriston Castle Grounds, and Saughton Winter Gardens on the evening of Saturday (24 October) and Sunday (25 October).

We’ll re-open on Monday(26 October) as soon as it is safe.

Tour de France route revealed as Edinburgh prepares for historic Grand Départ

Edinburgh will host the start of the 2027 Tour de France on Friday 2 July next year, with the route for the historic opening stage from the Scottish capital to Carlisle officially unveiled in Paris.

The 184km opening stage of the Grand Départ will take riders from Edinburgh through Midlothian and the Scottish Borders, before continuing through Dumfries and Galloway to Carlisle. It will mark the first time the Tour de France has visited Scotland, bringing one of the world’s biggest sporting events to the country.

The Edinburgh leg of the route will begin at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, then: Royal Mile – North Bridge – Princes Street – The Mound – Lawnmarket – Castle esplanade – Johnston Terrace – Castle Terrace – Lady Lawson Street – Grassmarket – Victoria Street – George IV Bridge – Chambers Street – South Bridge – Newington Road – Cameron Toll – Liberton Road – Gilmerton Road – then on to Midlothian.

Council Leader Jane Meagher attended today’s official route reveal in Paris, alongside students from Portobello High School who have been taking part in the Girls Cycling Programme.

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “Hosting the Grand Départ is a huge moment for Edinburgh and for Scotland. Our city has built a strong reputation for delivering major international events, and the Tour de France gives us another incredible opportunity to show the world what makes Edinburgh such a special place.

“But this is about more than the race itself. We want people across our communities to feel part of the occasion and to benefit from the opportunities it brings. From celebrating our city on the international stage to inspiring more people to get on their bikes, I’m confident the legacy of the Tour will go well beyond the opening day.

“We’ll be working with national active travel partners and local community organisations to create opportunities for people to get involved and discover how cycling can play a bigger part in their everyday lives. The Girls Cycling Programme is a great example of how we can help more young people, particularly girls, build confidence and enjoy the benefits of cycling.

“As we look ahead to next July, our priority is to make this a moment that Edinburgh’s people can share in and feel proud of, while striking the right balance between welcoming visitors and meeting the needs of those who live and work here all year round.”

Further details on community activities and preparations for the Grand Départ will be announced in the coming months.

Find out more on the Forever Edinburgh website.

To Be Seen: Granton Youth take over Edinburgh’s billboards

Nine young people from Granton Youth took over Edinburgh’s billboards this week, seeing their bold self-portraits displayed on a giant scale for the first time. Following creative workshops inspired by the National Galleries of Scotland’s Catherine Opie: To Be Seen exhibition, exploring identity and self-expression, the group gathered to see their very own photographs displayed across the city.

This marked a proud moment for the young people whose voices and stories are now impossible to miss. Working with the National Galleries of Scotland and in partnership with BUILDHOLLYWOOD Scotland, their larger-than-life self-portraits have transformed public spaces across the city into a powerful celebration of youth, identity and visibility.

One of the world’s greatest living photographers, Opie’s exhibition at the Royal Scottish Academy building in Edinburgh celebrates the LGBTQ+ community, telling stories of identity, family, love, belonging and community.

Featuring 80 striking portraits the exhibition places Opie’s powerful photographs alongside historic works from the national art collection, creating new narratives and challenging audiences to consider who is seen, celebrated and overlooked in art. With only one week left to see this inspiring exhibition, Catherine Opie: To Be Seen is open now until 1 November.

Taking inspiration from their own experience in the exhibition, the group from Granton Youth worked with artist Matthew Arthur Williams and supporting artist MV Brown, over six sessions to create their own photographs.

The workshops invited the young people to explore portraiture and identity through both analogue and digital photography. Working in a pop-up photography studio at the National Galleries Scotland: National, participants selected their own props and backdrops, made creative decisions about how they wanted to be represented, and considered how photography can communicate personal and collective stories.

The resulting artworks, brought together under the theme of what it means ‘to be seen’ offer a powerful and authentic reflection of the group’s experiences, personalities and perspectives.

The large-scale installations featuring their portraits are now displayed on BUILDHOLLYWOOD Scotland poster and billboard sites across the city, sharing their stories and photos.

You’ll find these inspiring self-portraits on billboards at sites including Wishaw Terrace, Dundee Street, London Road (Meadowbank), as well as posters featuring artworks across Edinburgh.

Beda Rose, a participant from Granton Youth, said: ‘It’s amazing seeing the billboards! I think the photos are really artistic and it’s not just photos of people doing nothing.

“It shows photos of people in a way that deserves to be shown.’

Holly Yeoman, Community Development Officer at the National Galleries of Scotland said: ‘It’s really important for young people’s voices to be heard and for them to be seen.

“We’re living in complex times, and to be able to use the Catherine Opie exhibition as an opportunity to bring young people of different ages and backgrounds together to discuss topics of identity, self-expression, friendship and family through creativity is meaningful.

“Now, these works are in the public, and will catch the attention of people who might not know anything about Catherine Opie, Granton Youth and the National Galleries of Scotland, these intriguing portraits invite people into the worlds of young people and what it truly means ‘to be seen.

“Catherine Opie has been really supportive of a project like this happening, as she knows how important it is to create space for sharing stories, creating connection, and the power of exploring this in through photography.”

Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals announces new partnership with Halo across Edinburgh’s Christmas & Hogmanay celebrations

Plus new Kick Off Concert, return of community tickets and free events at the Ross Bandstand

Free tickets to be distributed to communities across Edinburgh and Lothians

Edinburgh’s Winter Festival producers Unique Assembly have today announced software management company Halo as new title sponsor of both Edinburgh’s Christmas & Edinburgh’s Hogmanay events.

The partnership will see Halo visible throughout Edinburgh’s festive celebrations, lighting up the capital and presenting a brand-new Kick Off Concert to start next month’s festivities, plus the return of a free programme of events at the Ross Bandstand.

The inaugural free Edinburgh’s Christmas Kick Off Concert at the Ross Bandstand on 14 Nov marks the beginning of seven weeks of Edinburgh’s Christmas with Halo celebrations and will be headlined by the bagpipe supergroup Red Hot Chilli Pipers.

The concert, supported by new headline partner Halo, kickstarts the programme of free community focussed and family-friendly events at the Ross Bandstand, spanning five weekends across the Christmas season.

The Ross Bandstand Programme will also include Edinburgh’s Christmas supporting Edinburgh Diwali to deliver Diwali celebrations on Sun 15 Nov, Light Night on Sun 22 Nov, a weekend of St Andrew’s Day celebrations on Sat 28 & Sun 29 Nov complete with free outdoor ceilidh, and the Santa Fun Run and Santa Paws in aid of charity partner When You Wish Upon a Star on Sun 6 Dec, plus much more…

Edinburgh’s Winter Festival welcomes Halo as the event’s new headline partner, allowing Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay to join the line-up of Scottish events supported by Halo, including Scottish Rugby and the Scottish FA, as Halo commit to supporting large scale sporting and cultural events across Scotland.

On joining Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay, Halo said: “Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay is one of the great winter celebrations in the world, and we’re proud to be part of it.

“Founded in the Highlands, Scotland has always been special for Halo, and through our sporting partnerships that connection is as strong as ever. We believe in supporting the moments that bring people together, and there are few bigger than Hogmanay in Edinburgh, welcoming locals and visitors from every corner of the globe. We can’t wait to see the city light up this winter.”

Also announced today, Edinburgh’s Christmas community tickets initiative is back after a hugely successful year in 2025. Giving out tickets to community groups across Edinburgh and the Lothians, the community initiative offers free tickets to attractions including the LNER Big Wheel, Family Ice Experience with Icelandair, Around the World Star Flyer and much more.

Applications for community tickets are open now, Tue 20 Oct and close Wed 04 Nov. The Community Tickets initiative is intended to give back to the communities that host Edinburgh’s Christmas, and supports tickets for free-to-attend community-funded outreach groups and charities in and around Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Christmas, West Princes Street Gardens, Santa Stories, Lightnight Concert

On the community tickets initiative, Unique Assembly said: “We’re delighted to announce the return of our Community Tickets initiative, this year supported by our new headline partner Halo.

“We’re thrilled to be able to give back to the communities that host us, and to give out festive treats to those who need it most!”

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “It’s fantastic to see another event being added to an already packed festive programme, giving people even more to look forward to as the festive season gets underway.

“With tickets being made available to local communities and charities, I’m delighted that more residents will be able to experience the magic and atmosphere of Edinburgh’s Christmas.

“It’s also a lovely way to recognise and thank the organisations that make such a positive difference to people’s lives throughout the year.

“I’d encourage community groups and charities to put forward an application and take advantage of this opportunity.”

The full Ross Bandstand programme can be found on edwinterfest.com with more events still to be announced.

From dissection room to gallery wall Ken Currie and Professor Dame Sue Black lift the lid on the making of haunting portrait in new film

Portrait Stories free to watch on YouTube now

Unknown Man on display at National Galleries Scotland: Portrait

Free to visit

First in a new series of YouTube films by National Galleries of Scotland, artist Ken Currie and forensic anthropologist Professor Dame Sue Black reunite to reflect on the story behind the haunting portrait Unknown Man.

From Currie witnessing his first dissection with Black and making life masks together, to the matter of who the real subject of the portrait actually is, the film lifts the lid on the relationship between sitter and artist.

Portrait Stories brings together remarkable sitters and artists for an in-depth conversation about the creative process. The first film starring Ken Currie and Professor Dame Sue Black, is available to watch now on YouTube for free.

Having met for the first time during a live broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on a show called Art and Anatomy, Black invited Currie to come see his first dissection to understand how she worked.

Out of the experience emerged the nearly 3 metre painting, Unknown Man, on display at the National Galleries Scotland: Portrait in Edinburgh for free.

Recalling her first encounter with the portrait Black said: “I didn’t know how I was going to react, but I did tear up, there was no doubting that. I looked at it and I thought oh my word, this is incredible.”

In the early 1990s, Scottish artist, Ken Currie was much affected by political and humanitarian events in Eastern Europe, and he began to depict decaying and damaged bodies as a response to what he felt was the sickness of contemporary society.

Although still as socially aware as his earlier work, his style became less linear over time. From the mid-1990s, Currie’s paintings became simpler. He focused on individuals instead of crowds and painted in haunting, luminous colours.

Despite painting bodies in this way and with great accuracy, in the film Currie shares how he had never seen a dissection.

He said: “I think that like many Sue assumed because I went to art school I had seen a dissection because it was very much part of the old training. But I hadn’t.”

Attending his first ever dissection after being invited by Black live on air, Currie remembers: “I watched Sue there, standing over the body and of course I had never seen anything like that in my life before. It was really fascinating and then of course this germ of idea began to grow in my head [for the portrait]. Just Sue and the body”.

In 1999, Professor Black made her first tour to Kosovo, in order to identify the human remains of war crimes committed during the Balkan Wars, which deeply impacted her. So, for Black the portrait was an opportunity to give more of a story to the people whose bodies have been donated to science.

She said: “The people underneath these sheets are so important because these are people who in life choose to donate their body. They do it because they believe they want to pay something back.

“We talk about them being our silent teachers, because these cadavers will teach our students more than any living teacher could ever.”

From this came the name of the portrait Unknown Man challenging the viewer to look beyond the woman standing prominently in the portrait and think about the person who lies under the sheet. Black also hoped that in seeing the painting in the Portrait gallery in Edinburgh, it might inspire more young women to go into a field which is traditionally dominated by men.

As Black was unable to do multiple portrait sittings Currie made a life mask as a record of her appearance. A life mask is created by placing a mould over a person’s face to capture their features and requires that the subject doesn’t move while the moulding sets.

It allowed the Currie to create an accurate representation of how Black’s face may look in different lights. Currie was keen that that the portrait portrayed what Black may look like after a long and tiresome 12-hour shift.

In the Portrait Stories film, Black recounts how she has never done anything like this and the process required trust in the artist, which she gave completely.

She said: “I have to say the process for me was one I never expected. It was an honour, it was a privilege, but please don’t ask me it do it again.

“I genuinely feel I have made a really dear friend in Ken. He treated me with great respect and he has a huge level of artistic talent. It is my honour to have been a sitter on something he created”.

Watch Ken Currie and Professor Sue Black chat more about the story behind this fascinating portrait on the National Galleries of Scotland YouTube.

The Portrait Stories series will continue with Scottish writer Ian Rankin and photographer Hamish Campbell, available on YouTube later in 2026.

Scotland & All Black legends Gavin Hastings and Sean Fitzpatrick to headline Watsonian FC’s eve-of-test ‘Hoodoo Lunch’

BBC Scotland’s Tom English to host marquee discussion featuring two of rugby’s greatest captains at The George Hotel

Watsonian Football Club has announced that former All Black captain and World Cup winner Sean Fitzpatrick and Scottish rugby icon Gavin Hastings will headline ‘The Hoodoo Lunch’ at The George Hotel on Friday, 6th November 2026.

Taking place on the eve of Scotland’s Nations Championship test match against New Zealand, the event brings two of world rugby’s most legendary figures together on stage.

Chaired by BBC Scotland chief sports writer Tom English, the feature discussion will examine rugby’s ultimate rivalry, shared memories of battling the All Blacks, and Scotland’s ongoing quest to break the “Hoodoo”.

Gavin Hastings is the only Scot to captain a winning test match side against the All Blacks, in the second Lions test in 1993, and the afternoon will also feature contributions from Watsonian internationalists who took on New Zealand over the decades.

Watsonian Football Club president John McLellan said: “New Zealand don’t seem to be getting any weaker, but we hope our first Hoodoo lunch will also be the last if Scotland score a historic victory the day after.

“We’re looking forward to hearing from Gavin and Sean about how it might be achieved.”

The lunch is in aid of Maggie’s Centre, in memory of Scott Hastings, the British Heart Foundation and Watsonian Football Club.

Event & Ticket Details:

Date: Friday, 6th November 2026
Venue: The George Hotel, 19-21 George St, Edinburgh
Format: Welcome drink, 2-course lunch, and a half-bottle of wine per person
Pricing: £100 (Members) | £120 + VAT (Non-Members) | Corporate Tables of 10 (£1,200 + VAT)
Bookings: Reserve directly via Fanbase or email info@watsoniansrugby.com

PICTURED: Corey Hastings, Gavin Hastings, Kerry-Anne Hastings

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay announces return of Torchlight Procession and new McEwan Hall programme

PLUS ‘MUCKLE BE THE LIGHT’ RETURNS FEATURING CHARLOTTE CHURCH AND AWARD-WINNING FILMMAKER GORDON BUCHANAN

SCOTS TRAD MUSIC FEATURING BLAZIN’ FIDDLES, KAREN MATHESON and JULIE FOWLIS TAKE OVER MCEWAN HALL

Tickets via www.edinburghshogmanay.com

On sale 12pm tomorrow – Friday 9 October

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 – via www.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.

Follow Edinburgh’s Hogmanay on social media – Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.