Capital launches New Year party

Thousands attended the torchlight parade in Edinburgh

Edinburgh's four-day Hogmanay celebrations have kicked off with a spectacular torch lit parade.

The procession left the City Chambers at 1800 GMT, creating a "river of fire" down the Royal Mile.

The parade is due to culminate with a huge Lion Rampant being set alight on Calton Hill to the sound of pipes and drums and a fireworks display.

The event is the first in a series which will lead up to the annual Hogmanay street party and concert.

Among the other events, there will be a celebration of the best of modern and traditional dance from across the world in the Grassmarket on Tuesday.

More than 100,000 people are then expected to take to the streets of the capital on Hogmanay for what is billed as the world's best New Year celebration.

The street party will be held alongside the Concert in the Gardens, headlined by Groove Armada and also featuring Paulo Nutini.

The celebrations finish on New Year's Day with the traditional Loony Dook in South Queensferry.