Severe Flood Warnings issued

Very high river levels forecast along the River Spey with a danger to life

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has issued three severe Flood Warnings for the Aviemore and Carrbridge areas with very high river levels forecast for the early hours of Tuesday morning along the River Spey, with a danger to life.

Further warnings are in place over large parts of Scotland with rivers expected to continue to rise, especially across Speyside, the Great Glen and Tayside where impacts are most likely.

A meeting of the Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGORR) – chaired by Justice Secretary and Minister for Resilience Angela Constance and attended by the First Minister and senior Ministers – was held last night (Monday) to ensure appropriate measures are in place to deal with the severe weather expected.

The Met Office has issued an amber warning for rain that covers parts of the southern Highlands and Moray, valid from midnight until 5pm today. A yellow warning for rain and snow covering much of the rest of Scotland remains in place until midnight tonight. There is also a yellow warning for wind across southern Scotland from 7am to 11pm today.

Police Scotland is encouraging road users in the area covered by the amber warning to consider whether they need to travel and are advising people to avoid travelling into the area.

Travel disruption is expected across Scotland, with Transport Scotland making preparations across the trunk road network. Rail, ferry and airport operators are also working to ensure that people can reach their destination over the remainder of the festive period, when it is safe to do so and once the worst of the conditions have passed or expired.

Ms Constance said: “Severe flood warnings with a danger to life are rarely issued and it’s imperative all those in the affected areas play their part to stay safe. I would urge everyone to take action now by staying away from flood water and not taking any unnecessary risks. Please follow the advice of emergency services and first responders on the ground, and where advised to evacuate please do so.

“I would also recommend to keep updated with Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s live flooding updates and consider now any steps needed to be prepared for flooding impacts. With amber and yellow warnings issued for a combination of rain, wind and snow across the country, I have chaired a meeting of SGORR to ensure that we are acting as quickly and safely as possible to mitigate the impacts of the severe weather.

“I know many people will have plans to celebrate Hogmanay with friends and family but with road, rail, air and ferry services all likely to be affected by the conditions, I would urge everyone to please plan ahead to make sure it is safe to travel, and to follow Police and Transport Scotland travel advice on the roads. Anyone planning to travel by rail, air or ferry, should also stay in contact with their operator for the latest service information.

“The Scottish Government’s resilience committee will continue to monitor the situation overnight into Tuesday, and keep Ministers fully updated.

“Advice and information for the public is available at Ready.Scot and the Scottish Government will continue to work with all relevant agencies to closely monitor the storm and its impacts and ensure support is provided to those affected.”

Cordelia Menmuir, Flood Duty Manager for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) said: “We have issued three severe flood warnings for the Aviemore and Carrbridge areas. As a result of heavy and prolonged rainfall overnight very high river levels are forecast for the early hours of Tuesday morning along the River Spey. There is a danger to life.

“The severe flood warnings are for Sluggan to Dulnain Bridge, Kincraig to Inverdruie, and Aviemore/ Dalfabar. Extensive river flooding is forecast and there will be widespread disruption to transport, infrastructure, and property flooding. Remember to follow the advice of emergency responder and do not walk or drive through flood water.”

Ministers attending last night’s meeting included First Minister John Swinney, Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government Shona Robison, Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero Gillian Martin and Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity Jim Fairlie.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) issues flood alerts and warnings for Scotland. View the latest updates on their website.

For trunk road information visit the Traffic Scotland website.

Updates on ScotRail services and road conditions are available online.

Advice on preparing for severe weather can be found on the Ready Scotland website.

Latest weather advice can be found on the Met Office website.

Travel advice issued for AMBER weather warning on Hogmanay

Road users are being advised to expect disruption in the Highland and Moray areas on Tuesday, 31 December, 2024 due to an AMBER warning for rain.

Heavy and persistent rainfall is expected which has the potential to trigger shallow landslides and will cause extensive surface water that could affect the public transport and road network, making driving conditions challenging.

There are a number of flood warnings and alerts in place already across Scotland and we would advise the public to check their area on the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) website.

Visit Ready Scotland for information on how to prepare for rain and flooding. Information about public transport is available via Traveline.

Police are encouraging road users in the affected area to consider whether they need to travel and are advising people to avoid travelling into the affected area and to drive to the road conditions.

Superintendent Andy Barclay, deputy head of Road Policing, said: “Our advice is to plan ahead and consider if your journey is really necessary during the bad weather or if it can be delayed until conditions improve.

“Stopping distances can be at least double on wet roads compared to dry conditions, and spray can reduce driver visibility.

“If you need to travel, please drive to the conditions, be prepared for delays and allow extra time for your journey. Please don’t drive through road closures, the decision to close roads is not taken lightly and is done for public safety.”

General advice for road users

Plan ahead and avoid unnecessary travel
All road users should consider if they really need to travel during adverse weather
Consider delaying travel until conditions improve
If you are travelling on the roads, prepare yourself and your vehicle for the conditions
Ensure your mobile phone is charged and plan your journey, including an alternative route
Have sufficient fuel, warm clothing, food and water in case you’re delayed
Do not ignore road closure signs – they are for your safety
Congestion caused by vehicles may restrict emergency services and recovery vehicles from providing essential assistance
Listen to media broadcasts, including radio, for updates Traffic Scotland radio player | Traffic Scotland or visit Traffic Scotland | Trunk road traffic updates & route planner
Follow your local authority for the latest updates in your area via Facebook, Twitter/X or their website

Further details about the weather warning and information on flood alerts are available on the Met Office website.

Home for Hogmanay? Morrisons welcomes customers into 2025 with muckle savings

Morrisons has slashed the prices for customers on festive favourites
From half priced Champagne, to £1 Stew Packs with Leeks and £1 Taylors Boxing Day Curry Potato Crisps
Offers available in-store and online across all Scottish stores from 26th December until 1st January

There’s a lot to be said for staying at home for Hogmanay – dodging queues and not forking out a fortune.

Morrisons is helping those hosting Hogmanay celebrations with a raft of savings. Shoppers can save 18% on first-class Simon Howie’s Haggis at a great new price of £2.25, and perfectly pair it with half-price Charles De Villers Champagne Brut for just £12.50, or a bottle of Miller Genuine Draft (12 x 330ml) exclusively available at Morrisons for £12.50.

Morrisons has also price matched Aldi and Lidl on classic Hogmanay sides, including onions at 99p, carrots at 69p, swede at 62p, and cauliflower at £1.19. Taylors Honey Pigs in Blanket Potato Crisps also be snacked on for just £1 per bag.

As well as savings on Hogmanay party snacks and indulgent mains, Morrisons is providing comfort food and drinks for the after the night before.

From a third off Sugar Free Irn Bru (£6) to delicious Scotch Lean Diced Casserole Steak at 28% off (£9) and Brownings Large Loaf Cakes at a one off price of £2.50 – Morrisons is on hand to welcome customers into 2025 with muckle savings.

Loyalty card holders can take advantage of More Card exclusive prices by heading to: https://www.morrisons.com/more/.

Product Name	Normal Price	New Price
Sorso Prosecco Spumante 75CL	£6.50	£5.12 More Card Deal
Charles De Villers Champagne Brut 75CL	£25	£12.50 Half Price More Card Deal
Tennents 15x440ml	–	£17.16
Irn Bru 24pkIrn Bru Sugarfree 24pkIrn Bru Extra 24pk	£9	£6 More Card Deal
Golden Wonder 20pk	£3.25	£3.25
Taylors Boxing Day Curry Potato Crisps 150gTaylors Hot Honey Pigs in Blanket Potato Crisps 150gTaylors Spicy Prawn Cocktail Ridge Cut Potato Crisps 150gTaylors Lightly Sea Salted Ridge Cut Potato Crisps 150g	£1.45	£1 More Card Deal
Brownings Large Loaf CakesCherry/Madeira/Sultana	–	£2.50 When It’s Gone It’s Gone
Simon Howie Original Haggis 454g	£2.75	£2.25 More Card
Malcolm Allan Breakfast Pack 950g	£4	£3.50 More Card
Scotch Lean Diced Casserole Steak	£12.50/kg	£9.00/kg
Malcolm Allan Steak Pie 700g	£6.75	£6.00
Bells Hogmanay Steak Pie 1kg	–	£8.50 When It’s Gone It’s Gone
Hogmanay Bouquet	–	£8
Stew Pack With Leek	£1.50	£1 More Card
The Best Potatoes	£2.30	£1.15
Onions 1kg (Aldi, Lidl Price Match)	£1.10	£0.99
Carrots 1kg (Aldi, Lidl Price Match)	–	Reduced to £0.69
Whole Swede (Aldi, Lidl Price Match)	–	Reduced to £0.62
Cauliflower (Aldi, Lidl Price Match)	–	Reduced to £1.19

Granton shootings: Two Arrested

Two people have been arrested in connection with the death of a 38-year-old man in West Granton. A 32-year-old man and 25-year-old woman have been arrested in connection with the shooting.

Emergency services were called around 11.50pm on Sunday, 31 December, 2023, after a firearm was discharged in West Granton Road, seriously injuring two men.

Both men, aged 38 and 39, were taken to hospital, where the 38-year-old man was pronounced dead a short time later. The dead man has been named locally as Marc Webley.

Enquiries are ongoing and police continue to appeal for information.

Detective Superintendent Graham Grant, Major Investigation Team, said: “We’d like to thank the local community for their support and patience while enquiries are ongoing.

“There will continue to be an increased police presence in the area and anyone with further concerns should speak to officers, call 101, or in the case of an emergency, 999.”

Granton murder: Online portal set up

DID YOU SEE RED HYUNDAI TUCSON IN THE AREA ON NIGHT OF SHOOTING?

Detectives are continuing to appeal for information following the murder of a man during a firearms incident in Granton on Hogmanay.

Police were called to Granton Crescent around 11.50pm after a firearm was discharged, seriously injuring two men. Emergency services attended and the two men were taken to hospital, where a 38-year-old man was pronounced dead a short time later.

A 39-year-old man remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition.

The dead man has been named locally as Marc Webley.

From enquiries carried out so far, it is understood a red Hyundai Tucson pulled up beside the men in West Granton Road.

The driver exited the vehicle and discharged the firearm before returning to the vehicle and making off travelling eastwards towards Leith.

Detectives believe there was at least one other person within the vehicle at the time of the incident.

Road closures remain in place on West Granton Road and Granton Crescent while police enquiries continue.

Detective Superintendent Graham Grant said: “An extensive police investigation is ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident and we are doing everything we possibly can to identify and trace whoever is responsible.

“We would like to thank members of the public who have assisted our enquiries so far and would continue to ask anyone with information who hasn’t yet spoken to us to please come forward.

“In particular, we are appealing for any information or footage of the suspect vehicle and it’s movements before and after the incident happened. If you saw this vehicle in the surrounding area late on Sunday evening, we would like to hear from you.

“Our thoughts and condolences remain with the family and friends of both men involved.”

Superintendent Sam Ainslie said: “We completely understand local community concern following this shocking incident and would like to reassure members of the public that this is believed to have been an isolated targeted attack.

“Police Scotland takes incidents of this nature extremely seriously, this type of reckless criminality will not be tolerated, and we will do everything in our power to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“Officers continue to carry out extra patrols in the area to provide reassurance and we would urge anyone with concerns or information to contact us via 101 quoting reference 3819 of 31 December. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111”.

An online portal has been set up to allow members of the public to send information directly to the police.

This can be accessed here: Public Portal (mipp.police.uk)

Busy night for ambulance staff on Hogmanay

Ambulance staff had an extremely busy night across Scotland on Hogmanay as they dealt with 2,006 calls to Ambulance Control Centres between 7pm on New Year’s Eve and 7am on January 1st.

Hogmanay is traditionally one of the busiest nights of the year for the Service and during this year’s New Year’s Eve, there was an increase of 2.2 percent compared the same period in 2022.

The most intense period was between 1:30am – 2:45am where staff handled 328 calls – around a call every 15 seconds.

Julie Carter, On-call Executive Director with the Scottish Ambulance Service, said: “The overall level of demand for our service over the festive period has exceeded previous years and Hogmanay was one of our busiest nights of the year.

“Yet again, our staff in our Control Centres, on the frontline and support staff showed what an incredible group of dedicated professionals they are. They are a true credit to the SAS.

“This winter we continue to face significant challenges as a result of the time of year and continuing long hospital turnaround times at some hospitals which are stopping our staff from getting back out on the road to help other patients in need.

“To help our staff, we’d like to remind people to please only call 999 in a life-threatening emergency.

“If you need urgent care, but it’s not life-threatening, you can call NHS 24 on 111, day or night, or your GP during opening hours.”

Drivers: Prepare well for New Year journeys

With New Year celebrations taking place over the next few days and many travelling across the country for festivities it’s important drivers feel prepared for their journey.

Richard Evans, head of technical services at webuyanycar comments: “As the year draws to a close, many may be driving to celebrate the new year with friends and family across the country.

“The roads are likely to be very busy and many will be doing all they can to make sure they arrive safely to their festivities. Our research shows that 38% of drivers travel by car during bank holidays, and with the new year the last one of the year many are likely to be getting ready to celebrate.

“For those that have plans to travel throughout the holidays, there are some important things to stay aware of to make the journey as easy as possible.

“Forward planning can help drivers to avoid congested roads or peak travel times, which can in turn help with reducing their fuel consumption.

“Drivers should also check their tyre pressure and oil levels to avoid any unnecessary stops or breakdowns along their way.

“It’s important to stay mindful of driving by taking breaks when needed and making sure to be well rested. Our tips for travelling will ensure drivers are ready to get around to New Year celebrations safely.”

Keep festive traditions alive: Four in five Scots plan to enjoy steak pie as part of Hogmanay celebrations

Scots united in their love of a Hogmanay steak pie

Seven in ten (69%) Edinburgh locals say steak pie is an important part of their Hogmanay and New Year’s Day traditions, with 80% planning to tuck into the dish this year.

A Make It Scotch survey of 1,000 Scots has ignited a debate about when steak pie should be enjoyed and what to drink with it.

Scots are divided about when to eat steak pie

While traditionally eaten on New Year’s Day, the Make It Scotch survey has found a third (34%) prefer to eat it on Hogmanay to kick start the celebrations with friends and family (21%), as a meal before a big night out (7%) or enjoy it on their own (6%) before the bells. The research found that two-thirds (66%) of Scots plan on keeping tradition and will enjoy their steak pie on the first day of the year.

IRN-BRU is the nation’s favourite steak pie accompaniment

While Scots are united in their love of the traditional steak pie, some are washing it down with a more modern accompaniment. Beloved Scottish beverage IRN-BRU came out on top as the drink of choice to enjoy with a steak pie for nearly a quarter (22%) of Scots – rising to a whopping 41% of those in Stirling.

IRN-BRU overtakes Scotland’s national drink – a dram of Scotch whisky

Scots planning on eating steak pie to welcome in 2024 are as likely to wash it down with a dram of Scotch whisky (9.5%) as they are a glass of fizz from the continent – with 1 in 10 Scots saying they prefer to enjoy the dish with a glass of champagne or prosecco (9.2%).

Gordon Newlands, Scotch Butchers Club Manager, said: “With many of us reimagining how we celebrate the festive season, it’s heartening to see that some classic Scottish traditions haven’t been broken.

“For the majority of Scots, our research has shown steak pie is an important part of Hogmanay and New Year’s Day celebrations. Enjoying some Scotch Beef steak pie can remind us of fond memories of feasting with friends and family and remains a great way to welcome in the new year, whether on our own or with those we love.

“Whether you’re buying a pie from your local butchers or you fancy trying to make it yourself from scratch, looking out for the Scotch logos and opting for Scotch Beef will ensure you’re plating up the best quality pie to welcome in 2024.”

Regional splits across Scotland

While most Scots are united in their fondness for traditional steak pie, this new research has also revealed some interesting regional variations across the country.

When asked if steak pie was an important part of their Hogmanay or New Year’s Day traditions, 84% of Glaswegians agreed versus just 59% of people living in Inverness.

While 71% of people living in Perth prefer to eat their steak pie as part of a New Year’s Day feast with friends or family, just 37% of Aberdonians say this is their preferred way to enjoy the dish with as many as 1 in 4 (25%) preferring to enjoy it on their own either before or after the bells.

Glaswegians are more likely than those living in other cities to say they prefer to eat their steak pie before drinking on Hogmanay (10%). In comparison, Aberdonians are more likely to eat it as a New Year’s Day hangover cure (8%) than those living in other Scottish cities.

When pairing a drink with their steak pie, the beverage of choice in Glasgow is beer (26%), whereas those in Perth were more likely than any other Scottish city to prefer to pair their steak pie with a glass of champagne or prosecco (21%) and Scotch whisky is most popular in Inverness (12%).

Make It Scotch

For those seeking high-quality, local produce to make steak pie this festive period, Scotch Beef will have the ideal cut to suit. The Scotch Beef logo indicates that products are locally sourced from selected Scottish farms that adopt best practices, including animal welfare and production methods, as well as supporting Scotland’s rural communities.

For budget-friendly recipes to inspire your festive feasting, visit www.makeitscotch.com and @makeitscotch on Instagram.

Keep pets safe during New Year fireworks, urge vets

As the nation sees in the New Year with celebratory fireworks, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) is advising owners on how to keep their pets safe during the celebrations.

Firework noise can reach up to 150 decibels and pets can be particularly sensitive to noise, meaning New Year’s Eve can be traumatic for them. Luckily there are some simple things that can be done around the house to prevent unnecessary stress for dogs, cats and other pets.

Five top tips to help keep your pets calm during New Year’s Eve:

Prepare a den for your pet before New Year’s Eve and give them praise when they are relaxed there, so they come to view it as a safe retreat.
Use pheromone products next to the den and around the home. These are scents that we can’t smell but can help to reduce a pet’s stress.
Provide background noise and close curtains and windows on New Year’s Eve, when fireworks are expected.
Remain calm yourself. Never punish your pet – remember, if they toilet in the house it’s not their fault.
Move small pets, such as rabbits and guinea pigs, to a quiet place indoors when fireworks are expected, and provide lots of bedding to help them feel secure and mask the sounds. If you are having a party, remember to move them to a quiet area of the house.

British Veterinary Association President Anna Judson, said: “New Year celebrations can be a frightening time for pets. Parties and gatherings often mean an increase in visitors and noise and a disruption to their usual routines.

“When we add in the anxiety caused by New Year’s Eve fireworks, it’s not surprising that many animals become unsettled and even distressed.

“We recommend that all owners make themselves aware of the specific symptoms of noise phobia in their animal and take steps to minimize the impact of fireworks and other festivities on their pets.”

Signs of distress can vary among different animals and some pets may display quite subtle signs, including restlessness, changes to facial expression, panting, drooling, reluctance to be on their own, toileting in the house or other changes in behaviour. However, in severe cases they may become very agitated or even destructive in their attempts to escape, with the most extreme cases requiring veterinary care.

If your pet is severely distressed by fireworks, a visit to your vet for some short-term treatment as well as to make plans with for a longer-term solution should be considered. A phobia of fireworks can often be effectively treated with behaviour-modification techniques, administered with professional input, and owner commitment and patience. Visit your vet to discuss treatment options and for a potential referral for behaviour therapy.

Vets urge owners to create safe spaces for pets ahead of Bonfire season

As fireworks season approaches, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) is urging pet owners and animal keepers to start preparing now to prevent possible injury and distress to their pets and livestock in the run up to Bonfire Night (5 November), Diwali (12 November) and New Year’s Eve (31 December).

Each year, vets across the UK treat animals with firework-related injuries. By far the most commonly reported cases were self injuries caused by fireworks-related anxiety, such as tooth injuries to dogs from chewing furniture or fractures in horses that had bolted from their fields. The debris and remnants of fireworks and paper lanterns in fields and surrounding countryside can also pose a serious risk of injury to livestock, wildlife and zoo animals.

Signs of fireworks-related distress can vary from animal to animal. While some pets show obvious signs of fireworks-related anxiety, such as panting, drooling and attempts to escape, there are also more subtle signs that owners should be aware of, including restlessness and toileting in the house.

Cats often hide, while rabbits may keep very still and thump the ground with their back feet. Poultry are especially at risk of ‘smother’, where in a fear response birds huddle together, which can result in death for some.

British Veterinary Association Junior Vice President Dr Elizabeth Mullineaux said: “The loud whizzes, bangs and whistles of rockets, Roman candles and sparklers can be fun for some of us, but fireworks displays can be extremely traumatic for animals. Each year, vets treat animals with injuries as a result of stress and fright, as well as burns.

“Contact your vet now to discuss noise desensitisation techniques, pheromone products and other treatments that may be appropriate for your pet. Make sure pets are microchipped with up-to-date details in case of escape. You can also take simple steps around the house now, such as creating a den for dogs and cats, to keep them safe and calm when fireworks start.

“If your pet gets significantly distressed by fireworks, ask your vet about longer-term treatment options, which can be successful with professional input and owner commitment and patience.”

BVA suggests ten top tips to help pet owners and livestock keepers prepare animals as fireworks season approaches.

Top tips to keep animals safe:

Talk to your vet to discuss treatment options for fireworks-induced stress. This may include drugs to help dogs with noise phobias or pheromone products to apply next to your pets’ den and around the house to keep them calm.
Create a well-padded den for your pet to access ahead of fireworks season so they have a safe place to hide when fireworks start.
Ensure your pet is microchipped and your details are up to date on the database, in case it runs away from home.
Move small pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs to a quiet place indoors.
Close windows and curtains and provide background noise to help mask the fireworks.
If your pet is distressed, remain calm yourself. Restlessness or toileting in the house can be signs of stress, so don’t punish them.
Keep livestock housed at times when fireworks are likely to be set off locally and remove any firework debris from grazing pasture before letting them out.
Horses may be better turned out in a field than stabled, as in a stable they may feel enclosed and unable to move. Owners should consult a qualified equine behaviourist if they have significant concerns about their horse’s response to fireworks.
If you’re hosting a fireworks display, avoid setting them off near horses, livestock or companion animals. Dispose of any debris and remnants of fireworks responsibly.
Before lighting a bonfire, remember to check for any wild animals that may be hiding in it.

Unique Assembly to produce Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals 2023/24

Councillors have confirmed UniqueAssembly will deliver both Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay festivals for 2023.

Following an update on performance of the 2022/23 editions of the festivals on Tuesday (7 March), the Culture and Communities Committee recommended the one-year extension for Edinburgh’s Christmas which was considered and ratified by Finance and Resources Committee on Friday.

UniqueAssembly already has a contract to produce Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2023/24 and Councillors today approved the continuation of this contract.

Councillors discussed the levels of success for both festivals including lessons learned, noting the short turnaround time UniqueAssembly had to produce Edinburgh’s Christmas.

The decision for UniqueAssembly to produce Edinburgh’s Christmas 2022/23 was taken at a special meeting of the Council’s Finance and Resources committee in October, convened following the request to withdraw from the contract by original producers Angels Event Experience (AEE).

Over the 39 days of Edinburgh’s Christmas, the market stalls and funfair rides in East Princes Street Gardens and Mound Precinct, Santa Land in West Princes Street Gardens, and Lidl on Ice (ice rink) on George Street saw an overall footfall of 2.4 million.

Edinburgh’s Christmas provided a number of community benefits to citizens. Over 6,000 tickets were given to 30 local charities and community groups and 82,200 20% discounted rides and attractions across all the sites for residents.

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay welcomed over 65,000 people to events across the three days of the festival which included a Night Afore Concert at the Ross Bandstand, headlined by Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Street Party and Concert in the Gardens headlined by Pet Shop Boys and large programme of free live events and family entertainment on 1 January 2023.

City of Edinburgh Council Culture and Communities Convener, Cllr Val Walker said: “Edinburgh’s Christmas 2022/23 proved to be more challenging than usual to deliver, and my thanks to UniqueAssembly for taking over the contract last year with just seven weeks to deliver such a successful event in addition to Edinburgh’s Hogmanay.

“Today’s decision not only confirms our satisfaction with the 2022/23 Winter Festivals, it gives our support to UniqueAssembly to realise more of our shared ambitions for even better events this year, including a greater spread across the city and ensuring that our greenspaces are used sensitively.

“There’s no questioning the popularity of our Winter Festivals or the benefits they bring to the Capital – the enjoyment and wellbeing of our residents, but also the economic impact for our businesses and the city as a whole.

“Following the termination of our contract with the original Christmas provider it was our absolute priority to ensure that we provided high-quality festive celebrations for the city – and that these were delivered in the spirit of the feedback received in our consultation with residents, businesses and stakeholders. The update report shows this was achieved and I’m looking forward to this year’s offering.”

Directors of UniqueAssembly said: “The Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations are so important not only for visitors to the city, but also for our fellow residents, local businesses and city economy.

“The confirmation of the contract for this year means we can build on the success of 2022, and with longer lead-time realise our ambitions for Edinburgh’s festive celebrations.”

KER-CHING!