Vikings lead torchlit walk through Edinburgh

Edinburgh kicked off its world-famous Hogmanay celebrations early with a torchlight procession on Friday.

About 20,000 participants created a "river of fire" through the streets of the Old Town from the Meadows to the foot of Edinburgh Castle.

The traditional walk made its return after a four-year absence due to the Covid pandemic and funding difficulties.

It marked the 30th year the capital has hosted a Hogmanay festival, with legendary indie band Pulp headlining a concert in Princes Street Gardens on 31 December.